Direct encounter

They left their boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:22)

Face-to-face communication is becoming less common, isn’t it? We can spend a whole day e-mailing, texting, and talking on the phone. Social networks like Facebook and Twitter keep us in touch without ever touching. Some of us work from the comfort (and isolation) of home and rarely have the chance to interact. Even online shopping can keep us away from merchants who may be just around the corner.

All of this technology certainly does make life more convenient. But what if Andrew and Simon Peter had met Jesus only online instead of face-to-face? Do you think they would have been as deeply affected as they are in today’s Gospel reading? 

Actually, this is not the first time they’ve seen him. John the Baptist had introduced Andrew to Jesus earlier, and Andrew spent the entire day with him. Andrew in turn introduced Simon to him—the one whom Jesus renamed Cephas, or Peter (John 1:35-42). Both brothers’ lives were changed because they spent time with Jesus.

As we celebrate St. Andrew today, let’s remember that this kind of direct encounter is at the heart of evangelization. In an Advent speech three years ago, Pope Francis said, “The most important thing that can happen to a person is to encounter Jesus, who loves us, who has saved us, who gave his life for us.” We can’t simply hope that the people around us will absorb enough information about Christ to become his disciples. We need to introduce them to Jesus, just as Andrew introduced Peter to him.

Bringing someone to Christ doesn’t have to be hard. Of course we can pray for people and tell them about God’s love. But sometimes we make more progress with simple expressions of love that are reflections of the Lord. Listening can be just as effective as prayer. A warm embrace can speak more powerfully than a lecture on sin. An invitation to lunch can have a greater impact than a logical presentation of the truths of the gospel.

Kindness, generosity, compassion—these are the keys that unlock the treasures of the gospel!

“Lord, send me to someone who needs to encounter you today.”

from wau.org

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

How will your plot unfold?

A division occurred in the crowd because of him. (John 7:43)

Open the Gospel of John, and you’ll find yourself swept up into a rich, character-driven drama. You’re familiar with the main character; he’s introduced in Act One. “In the beginning was the Word” (John 1:1). Of course, John is talking about Jesus! He’s the central figure because, well, “the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (1:1).

But have you ever stopped to think about the “supporting cast” we meet in this Gospel? There’s John the Baptist, Mary, Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, and many, many more. Add to this list a string of antagonizing characters, including Pontius Pilate, Judas, and certain chief priests and Pharisees, whom we meet in today’s Gospel. 

The drama of John’s Gospel comes to life in a moving way when we see the way these diverse cast members encounter Jesus. Their interactions with him, whether positive or negative, are often emotionally powerful and always defining. Meeting him becomes the focal point of their personal story lines.

In a way, it’s these encounters with Jesus that push the main story along. As you read, you begin to realize that John isn’t just giving an account of Jesus’ ministry; he’s also trying to pull you into this drama. It’s as if, in John’s mind, you’re another member of the supporting cast. So how will your encounter with Jesus, the main character in all of creation, play out?

Today, you’re going to encounter Jesus. You may meet him as you pray and reflect on today’s readings right now. Or an approaching plot twist in your day may reveal him in a completely unexpected way. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you can respond to this encounter with grace. If he speaks into your life as the eternal Word of God, receive his wisdom and light with joy. If you’re in need of peace, let him show you that he is the Good Shepherd of your soul, guiding you into safe pasture. And if you find yourself empty, let him fill your heart and mind with the richest of fare, for he is the Bread of Life!

“Lord, may today hold a new encounter with you. Help me to respond gracefully no matter how I meet you!”

from wau.org