60 The Art of Accompaniment
Asks Questions & Listens for Answers
In the Gospel of Matthew, the rich young man questions Jesus, “Teach-
er, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16). Like this
parable, the one accompanied must have the courage to ask great and chal-
lenging questions of life, faith, and purpose. Overall, the one accompanied
must act as a seeker, and one who strives to follow the voice of Jesus at every
turn of life. They not only have the bravery to ask challenging questions,
but also have the patience to listen intently to the voice of the Lord unfold
gradually in the events of their lives.
Open to Transformation and Willingness to be Formed
Through her dialogue with Jesus, the Samaritan Woman at the Well
comes to know him as the Messiah; while she does not instantaneously
recognize Jesus as the Savior, she comes to trust him and be moved by his
penetrating questions and answers (John 4). Because she allows Jesus to
transform her understanding of him, she comes to form her own response of
faith by asking, “Could he possibly be the Messiah?” (John 4:29). Like the
Samaritan Woman, the one accompanied does not begin perfect in belief,
but is open to being transformed through dialoguing with Jesus. Those ac-
companied are open to formation and display their willingness to be formed
by authentically seeking holiness, collaborating with their mentor, remain-
ing humble in the midst of difficulty, and giving thought and prayer to
challenges or new ideas.
Drawn to Jesus and Responsive to His Call
On the Road to Emmaus, the disciples encountered Jesus without
knowing it, but were still drawn to him over the course of their journey
(Luke 24). The disciples beg him to “Stay with us,” which ultimately leads
to their recognition of him “in the breaking of the bread” (Luke 24:29-31).
Like these disciples, the one accompanied must not only have a desire to
see Jesus, but seek to respond to this desire at each prompting of the Holy
Spirit. Concretely, the one who is accompanied actively participates in their
own spiritual journey, taking responsibility for their own holiness, vocation,
and journey of faith.