Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place

During our morning walk today, I shared with Sandee two concepts that I am struggling with. And she in turn took the opportunity to straighten out my thinking and make connections for me, as is her way. Later over our cup of morning coffee, I reflected on how important it is for a husband to share his changes with his wife, and she with him.

Our morning walk together facilitates this. I realize that each of us goes through changes that if not shared with our spouse, distances us from each other. One day we wake up and discover I do not know this person I share a bed with. Sandee responded, this is one benefit of walking together, ‘I suppose this is why Jesus walked with his disciples’.

Her comment connected with this week’s Gospel Luke 6: 17-26 ‘Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place’. Jesus did not look down on them from above, he did not speak down to them, but stood and spoke with them at their level.

Jesus met his disciples where they were—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—just as we are called to meet our spouses in the daily walk of life. Walking side by side fosters not only physical closeness but also the deeper intimacy of shared thoughts, struggles, and insights.

It is in these simple moments—steps taken together, conversations over coffee—that we cultivate understanding and unity. Sandee’s insight reminded me that just as Jesus journeyed with his disciples, guiding them through both challenges and revelations, so too must we journey with each other in marriage, ensuring that no change, no struggle, and no growth happens in isolation.

Just as a husband and wife must share their journey to remain united, so too must members of a faith community walk together, listening, supporting, and growing alongside one another. Jesus did not separate himself from those he taught; he walked with them, meeting them in their reality.

Likewise, in our communities, we are called to engage with one another—not from a place of superiority or distance, but with the humility to truly listen and the openness to be changed. Whether in marriage or in faith, the journey is not meant to be walked alone.

Pope Francis, in his recently released autobiography, titled ‘Hope’, refers to this as a ‘Culture of Encounter’. He calls us to adopt a culture in which we are willing to encounter each other, even strangers and enemies. Even when that encounter is uncomfortable, it is better than ignorance of each other. Ignorance of each other breeds war!!!

Friend, I encourage you to visit my pastoral website at the following link. Please take the time to visit the 3 membership programs, you may find one that may be beneficial to you - They are: Benedictine Spirituality, Life Transitions, Transforming Minds and Hearts. This is the link to the website Website Link

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