It would be reasonable to say that the publication in Jesuit journals world wide of the recent interview with Pope Francis has caused a considerable stir. Much has been written in the Catholic and Secular press, reflecting on both the substance and the tone of this exchange.

I will leave the theological arguments and niceties to those better qualified to argue the case. To me, and I think to countless thousands of ordinary folk the image of the open hand comes to mind.

When someone is down, our first instinct is to help them up, to care for them and to re-assure them. Time enough for the discussion as to the why’s and wherefore’s of their predicament.

Isn’t this exactly what Francis has done? He has extended his hands to those who are in need of his care, he has raised his voice to those in need of comfort, he has challenged those who can only criticise actions without looking to particular circumstances.

In short, he has re-engaged the Church with the Bishop of Rome, not in a dominant manner but in a spirit of love and understanding.

In a world ever anxious for immediate response, the quick fix that solves everything, impatience is a problem. Yet slowly, carefully the milieu is changing. The life style signs that set a tone, the words and actions that celebrate that which is fundamental to our humanity, the quality of our relationships, is being emphasised.

The outstretched hand, reaching towards another hand and clasping it, is the most simple yet potent sign of caring. A mother walking with her child, her hand at her side, suddenly finds it grasped by her child, seeking her security and love. And the mother responds with a gentle grasp, the larger hand of experience holding the smaller hand of adventure.

Wasn’t there something of that on the road to Emmaus? Grown men walking with the Lord yet not recognising him for they were still young in faith? Only when he broke bread and shared with them did they realise who he was, the action of breaking and receiving the gift of outstretched hands making them aware of reality.

For that is what we must experience, the reality of where we are and the very real need to care for each other in our Gospel Journey.

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