Hope in Our Encounters

By Melanie Guste, RSCJ

Contemplating Jesus, we learn from His attitudes and responses how, in all our relationships, to witness to the liberating power of His love. In faith and simplicity, we meet the other as a unique person, having respect and affection for each, and a humility which enables us to be receptive. Always, we are filled with hope in our encounters, sure of God’s power at work in us all. (Society of the Sacred Heart Constitutions #15)

During times that can be characterized by vitriolic divisiveness between individuals, communities, and counties; the call to “demonstrate a contemplative sensitivity and regard for the dignity of each person” (Sophie’s Gift., p.5) seems especially relevant. In truth, it seems imperative as a counter-witness to prevailing norms of communication and behavior.

Oddly, the geo-politico-socio realities of our world are actually having a paradoxical effect on me. Instead of being more complex, this historical moment is essentially anchoring me in some very simple ontological truths about life, human beings, and the created world.  Not to be simplistic, but the attitudes of loving-kindness, friendliness, patience, hospitality, respect and positive regard for the dignity of other human beings, still seem to reside in most human hearts. These attitudes still seem to point to a way of “showing up,” and being present in the world on a daily basis.

Awakening these sometimes-dormant attitudes and putting them into daily practice is all the more essential to ward off the numbing saturation of images and stories that focus on the opposite. An ordinary encounter at a grocery store with the checkout clerk can be transformational, mutually impactful, and effect a recognizable change. 

The simple encounters of daily life shape and effect our social reality in both obvious and sometimes hidden ways. These daily encounters are not biblical in size, but they are biblical in value. These encounters do engender hope.  

The warm relationship of reciprocity between Mary and Elizabeth as expressed through the Visitation, and the enduring friendship of Madeliene Sophie and Philippine Duchesne give us some clues about the “hope of our encounters,” their liberating dimensions, and multiplier effects on the world. 

Questions for Reflection:

• How are the cries and needs of our world awakening new sensibilities in you? Calling you into responses on a daily basis? 
• Where and when do you sense there are moments of “hope in your encounters”?