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Part 2 of 2 from "Walk with me" in the Summer 2016 VISION Newsletter
In Luke 24:13-35, we learn of five simple aspects of pastoral care from the encounter the Lord Jesus had with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. This encounter started with the disciples feeling sad, frustrated, angry, and uncertain about the future. Jesus recognized the situation and drew close to them with empathy towards their situation. He first had to understand what was troubling their hearts. In the time that Jesus spent with the disciples, He endeavored to help change the way they felt by loving them and never judging them, and guiding them in a way to move forward. We are all able to learn from this encounter of how the Lord Jesus provided care for the disciples. Let us now look into each of the five aspects to help us grow in our understanding of pastoral care.
The first aspect Jesus demonstrated was how to recognize what is happening. If we do not recognize that we have a needy neighbor, how can we care for them? This recognition happens when we first love God and come to our divine service experiences, as well as congregational activities, with an attitude to serve and not be served. By not focusing on ourselves, we will be more likely to see if those around us need our care. We can be aware of one’s need for care in how they greet us or what they talk about in conversation. This is just a simple opportunity of how we can recognize what is happening in someone’s life.
Once we have recognized what is happening, we can look at the second aspect, which is to spend time together. Letting someone know that you have time for them demonstrates care and true desire to help. Spending time together can apply to a variety of moments, such as simply talking at church after a divine service or connecting for a few moments at a small group. If there needs to be a more specific time to be set aside, a get together can be scheduled. When you have these moments together, try to be empathetic instead of just acknowledging their situation. When we try to put ourselves in the shoes of others, it will make our care more impactful.
The third aspect Jesus showed was His ability to listen. James 1:19 tells us how to do this: “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (NLT) God gave us two ears and one mouth. We should listen twice as much as we speak, but sometimes we rush in too quickly with advice or our experiences with similar situations. What we need to do is try to understand the perspective of other people. When we listen, we radiate a feeling of closeness that can create a rapport. Listening is a sign of putting the other person first, which means we don’t resort to talking about our own experiences or trying to formulate a solution. Positive body language and posture exudes that you are listening attentively, thus showing understanding and focus.
Everyone always likes to get answers. Perhaps when you extend care to someone in need they may seek answers from you. How should we go about this as Christians? This brings us to the fourth aspect, which is providing answers and counsel. First we must recognize that we are not professional counselors and should not provide advice and counsel for people on topics and issues that need professional or medical help. In matters of spiritual questions, we take a path pointing to our faith by using Scripture in a timely manner or using the Catechism in understanding our doctrine. In matters of natural life, we can offer help by discussing the pros and cons of a decision or situation; from this we can deduce a direction on a decision that answers the question, “What will bring me closer to God?” Our answers and direction should be based on the Gospel and that which brings a soul closer to God. Christ can be the solution for every need and problem that arises in life. If Christ is our solution, then through His love, we can help others to draw near Him in their own situations in life. When this connection of closeness to God grows, we will not want to leave Christ, but will want to remain as the disciples did.
Finally, Jesus left the disciples after He recognized their situation, accompanied them, listened, and provided answers and direction. The fifth aspect is to move on. Moving on means that by teaching the Gospel, we are creating an opportunity for a soul to practice self-responsibility. The road to Emmaus is a road that must be walked. The walk started out in disbelief and sadness. It ended in joy, excitement, love, and true devotion. The same can happen to each one of us as we bring pastoral care into a congregational focus. As we read in Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ;” we see it is all of our responsibility to help and care for one another on our journeys.