“Culture of Encounter”

Originally published in The Catholic Times

Pope Francis’ homily on Wednesday, May 22, received lots of press, mainly around his comments about redemption: “The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the blood of Christ. All of us, not just Catholics. Everyone!” he declared. “‘Father, the atheists?’ Even the atheists. Everyone! And this blood makes us children of God of the first class! We are created children in the likeness of God and the blood of Christ has redeemed us all!”

He continued: “And we all have a duty to do good. And this commandment for everyone to do good, I think, is a beautiful path towards peace. If we, each doing our own part, if we do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently, little by little, we will make that culture of encounter: we need that so much…”

Lost in the media flurry about whether or not atheists can be saved (or, even non-Catholics, according to some pundits) was Pope Francis’ comment about a “culture of encounter.” What does that look like?

The word “encounter” can refer to an unexpected meeting of people or facing a difficult circumstance. Like encountering an old friend while shopping in the grocery store, or encountering problems when doing something routine. Soldiers encounter the enemy. The word is used when referring to a group or activity meant to help participants face and deal with challenges as in “encounter group” or “marriage encounter.”

“Encounter” may suggest a bit of surprise: St. Francis encountered a leper. While riding toward Damascus, St. Paul encountered the Lord.

It calls for action. When Francis encountered the leper he response embraced and kissed the leper, overcoming his desire to avoid interaction with a condition he feared. St. Paul’s encounter knocked him off his horse and changed his life. Couples attending a Marriage Encounter usually come away with renewed love, commitment, and joy in the relationship because they took time to be with their partner, talking about issues that may have caused tension or misunderstanding. During the weekend they learn communication techniques that help them truly “encounter” the other, to make time to listen when they return to daily routines.

When you run into an old classmate, you take a moment to catch up. When you encounter more problems than expected when fixing the washing machine, you run out for more parts, pull out a fix-it-yourself book, or if the problem is beyond your skill, call for a repairperson.

So, what is Pope Francis suggesting when he calls for a “Culture of encounter?”
He places the phrase in the midst of a story about doing God’s work, doing good to others. Being human requires that of us all, he says. God calls us to take time with one another. To listen, to come up against the problems and suffering of others, and give ourselves to the solutions. Like his namesake, Pope Francis asks us to embrace those in our path. This, he says, is the way to peace.

God calls us to be open, to be aware not only of other human beings, but also of the natural world and the impact we have on it. We are not to hurry by, preoccupied even though we all have personal challenges that need attention. Pope Francis calls us to encounter.

So do many Mass readings this week. In today’s gospel, Jesus gives the two great commandments: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Friday has both Old Testament and gospel readings about the good shepherd, caring for the sheep. Jesus returns a young man from death to life, giving him back to his mother, a widow, who not only grieved his loss, but faced uncertainty in her own life had she been without a male to protect her. This week’s readings give us the Beatitudes, the command to be salt of the earth and light of the world.

Pope Francis has reminded us of the importance of encountering with God’s love the poor and vulnerable in our world, right were we are. It sounds simple. It’s not. But bit by bit, it will lead us forward on the way to a more just and peaceful world.

© 2013 Mary van Balen