By JoAnn Braegelmann
The familiar Gospel story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus after Jesus’ crucifixion is a wonderful illustration of the concept of accompaniment. In the narrative, Jesus joins the disciples, shares his story and walks with them. This is the foundation of accompaniment. As the story unfolds, we are reminded of the importance of our own personal stories, the love we are called to have for others, and the power of accompaniment.
Sharing our story is more than a mere accounting of events and timelines. It is an opportunity for a meaningful encounter in order to enter into a deeper relationship with another. It is forming a connection that allows us to reflect the love of Jesus to others. As Pope Francis taught, the “art of accompaniment…teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other” (EG, 169). The innate dignity of every human person renders their life story as sacred. When we are blessed with the opportunity to listen to another’s story, we are entering into the heart of accompaniment, which is to simply listen. People are not usually looking for you to solve or fix their problems or to offer advice. They just want someone to listen to them. And isn’t listening, truly listening, holy listening, a way to love others?
This is also true when accompanying someone who struggles with mental health challenges. They just want someone to listen to their story and this is how a deeper relationship starts. Listening is how we can love others and that is what the disciples on the road to Emmaus did as Jesus shared his story. We can imagine they listened with love and great attention, as they later reflected, “Were not our hearts burning while he spoke to us…” (Lk 24:32) We can also imagine this burning to be a little flame shining light into their hearts and through their grief. In the same way, sharing the personal story of a mental health challenge brings that story into the light. Too often, these stories live in darkness–the darkness of emotions, fear and stigma. We affirm a person’s dignity and value by listening to these stories in the context of the healing presence of God. By allowing them tell their story at their own pace, we offer the love and support that every person needs.
The Emmaus story holds another important piece for accompaniment. The story reads, “Jesus drew near and walked with them” (Lk 24:15). It may not be obvious, but Jesus walking with the disciples is a mutual agreement. First, Jesus decides to appear to the disciples to walk with them. Second, and just as important, the disciples allow Jesus to walk with them. They are accompanying one another. Jesus did not lead the disciples and they did not follow him. They walked together sharing their stories and opening their hearts to each other. This is an important point to keep in mind when accompanying another. If accompaniment is going to be fruitful, there needs to be a mutual exchange. We are all on the same journey, even though our paths may look different.
When walking alongside someone with a mental health challenge, it may feel one-sided at times, but this journey of offering support and loving presence strengthens both the one who accompanies and the one being accompanied. The listener becomes the learner and the minister is ministered to. Accompaniment can be one of the most sacred aspects of sharing in human life and it offers a chance to share life experiences in a safe, open space without fear of judgment.
In the Emmaus story, the disciples went back to Jerusalem to proclaim that Jesus was truly risen. Could it be implied that their encounter with Jesus gave them hope and healing so that they could walk with others as Jesus walked with them? We can probably assume so. In the same way, accompanying another can create space for that same hope and healing and the knowledge that they do not walk alone. This can be even more important to persons living with a mental health challenge as often times they may feel isolated and unloved. Authentic accompaniment becomes a bridge between loneliness and relationship, fear and love.
As Catholics, we are called to journey with our sisters and brothers, supporting, loving and offering hope, especially those who may be struggling in more significant ways. May our accompaniment reflect the love and the presence of Jesus to deepen faith and restore brokenness just as he did for the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
JoAnn Braegelmann is a rural life coordinator for the Diocese of St. Cloud and a member of the diocesan mental health ministry team.