by Father Mark Goldasich
The weirdest thing happened as I was starting this column. I sent a couple of items I wanted to quote here to my printer, to make it easier to refer to and type in. Those items did indeed print, but on the back of that sheet of paper, a photo of Pope Francis blessing a baby from the popemobile printed as well.
What makes this weird is: 1) I was going to write about Pope Francis’ constant call to a “culture of encounter” (which that picture clearly showed); and 2) I have no idea where that photo came from or why it printed. (I’m treating this as a sign of blessing from Pope Francis on what I’m writing today!)
Let me start with a story — author unknown — from a post on Learning In Life where a man writes:
I spent an hour in the bank with my dad, as he had to transfer some money. I couldn’t resist asking, “Dad, why don’t we activate your internet banking?”
“Why would I do that?” he asked.
“Well, then you won’t have to spend an hour here for things like making a transfer,” I replied. “You can even do your shopping online. Everything will be so easy!” I was excited about initiating him into the world of online banking.
Dad asked, “If I do that, I won’t have to step out of the house?”
“Exactly,” I said. I told him how even groceries can be delivered to your door and how Amazon delivers everything. His answer left me tongue-tied.
He said, “Since I entered this bank today, I’ve met four of my friends. I chatted a while with the staff who know me very well. You know, I’m alone. This is the company that I need. I like to get ready and come to the bank. I certainly have enough time, and it’s the physical touch that I crave. . . . Would I have that “human” touch if everything became online? Why would I want everything delivered to me and force me to interact with just my computer? I like to know the person that I’m dealing with and not just the “seller.” It creates bonds of relationships. Does Amazon deliver all this as well?”
The son realized his father’s wisdom: Technology isn’t life. How essential it is to spend time with people, not only with devices.
That’s why Pope Francis encouraged — and lived — a “culture of encounter.” In a homily the pope gave in the Santa Marta Chapel at the Vatican in 2016, he emphasized that a culture of encounter is “not just seeing, but looking; not just hearing, but listening; not just passing people by, but stopping with them; not just saying, ‘What a shame, poor people!’ but allowing yourself to be moved with compassion and then, to draw near, to touch and to say, ‘Do not weep’ and to give at least a drop of life.”
With the warmer weather, it’s been a delight to encounter my neighbors again. After being cooped up during the winter months, it’s refreshing to visit with them in the sunshine and catch up on one another’s lives.
In a world where we’re so used to talking “at” one another rather than “to” and “with” one another, Pope Francis’ words give us a lasting challenge. To truly listen with love to our fellow human beings, to “walk in the shoes of another,” can change perspectives and soften even the hardest hearts.
So, what are you waiting for? Put down The Leaven, leave behind your electronics and go greet someone face to face. Make Pope Francis proud!
