The culture of encounter

Ought she not to have been set free? (Luke 13:16) 

Of course this woman should have been set free! Having suffered with a disability for eighteen years, she has every right to approach Jesus. Still, her healing draws a firestorm of criticism. Though you would expect the synagogue leader to join his congregation in rejoicing in the miracle he has just witnessed, he rebukes the woman by quoting the Law of Moses to her. In response, Jesus asks the leader an obvious rhetorical question: “Ought she not to have been set free?” (Luke 13:16).

This one simple question shines light on a profound issue. Perhaps, technically, this woman shouldn’t have been cured on the Sabbath. But Jesus cares more about people than technicalities—and we should too. As we face crippling conditions around us, we too should ask, “Ought not everyone have access to adequate food, housing, and clean water? Ought not the unborn be loved and protected? Ought not everyone receive medical care and enjoy friendship?” Of course they ought to!

With just one question, Jesus unmasked what Pope Francis has called the “culture of indifference.” He also named the remedy: build a “culture of encounter.” Jesus didn’t just heal the woman; he called her a “daughter of Abraham” (Luke 13:16). He placed her on the same level as everyone else and treated her with great dignity. 

“Daughter of Abraham”—three simple words. Sometimes that’s all it takes. Even the slightest gesture of solidarity “builds bonds, cultivates relationships, creates new networks of integration and knits a firm social fabric” (The Joy of Love, 100). It doesn’t require a lot of effort to begin dismantling indifference and to start building bridges instead.

It can start with something as small as a kind look. It can be the decision to slow down and listen attentively to someone or the choice to offer a bottle of water to someone on the side of the road. That’s where it starts, but it can go on from there. Once you start breaking down indifference, try to double your efforts over time. As you do, you’ll see a double portion of God’s blessing being poured out. Ought not everyone in need be set free? Yes!

“Yes, Lord, your children ought to be set free. I want to help whomever you put in my path. Open my eyes!”

from wau.org