Accompaniment Leads to Jesus
In his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis tells us
Although it sounds obvious, spiritual accompaniment must lead others ever closer to God, in whom we attain true freedom. Some people think they are free if they can avoid God; they fail to see that they remain existentially orphaned, helpless, homeless. They cease being pilgrims and become drifters, flitting around themselves and never getting anywhere. To accompany them would be counterproductive if it became a sort of therapy supporting their self-absorption and ceased to be a pilgrimage with Christ to the Father.
In other words, accompanying those searching for meaning and healing in their lives is not a mere walking with them wherever they would choose to go. Rather, Christian accompaniment always has as it's goal a destination: the person of Jesus Christ, who can lead us into the life of the Holy Trinity for which we were created.
This "art of accompaniment," as the Holy Father calls it, requires that we first and foremost are searching for Jesus ourselves -- through prayer, striving for holiness, caring for the poor, participating in the liturgical life of the Church, working for justice, and engaging in fellowship with other believers. Only then can we begin to show others a better way and guide them on the narrow path Jesus has laid for us.
As we prepare for another year of catechetical programs, youth activities, and Bible studies, ask Jesus to show you how you can draw closer to him and, by your witness, accompany others in their journey of discipleship.
May God continue to bless you and your ministries!
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