2025 Evangelization Supplement
Encounter: Who are you meeting unexpectedly these days?
By Anita Bardo
Who are you meeting unexpectedly these days? In the store, at the market, at a sports game or at coffee and donuts after Mass, there are those times of encountering others. And in those moments, we may not know the impact we have on others or the impact they could have on us.
The Samaritan woman’s life was transformed when she had the encounter with Jesus at the well. Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again” (Jn 4:14). When we see someone else’s encounter with God or hear about their encounter, it should motivate us to have that same encounter with him, too. Have you had an opportunity to encounter others?
I was out one Friday afternoon with my mom, and I needed to stop by the bank. I was depositing a check and the name on the check prompted the teller—a young man—to tell me his story.
He said, “You don’t know me, and I don’t know you, but can I share something with you?” It was about the birth of his son, and the name he gave him. Within that conversation, faith came up and he said, “I am not religious, but I am spiritual.” He began to share with me. He said, “We are all called to share the good news of Jesus,” and I smiled.
The young man continued, and at the end of our conversation, he asked if he could pray for me. “Whatever you are going through in your life right now, any challenges that you are facing, know that God is with you, and he will give you answers to your prayers in time, and tomorrow will be a better day,” he prayed.
At that moment I had tears flowing from my eyes, and I felt the Holy Spirit within me. The power of the Holy Spirit was present, and I could hardly contain myself getting back in the car to share this with my mom.
In the same way, in his 2013 apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), Pope Francis says, “Jesus’ whole life, his way of dealing with the poor, his actions, his integrity, his simple daily acts of generosity, and finally his complete self-giving, is precious. … Whenever we encounter this anew, we become convinced that it is exactly what others need, even though they may not recognize it” (#265). I could have said no to the young man and went on my way, but the Spirit said otherwise. I felt that little moment made a difference in my life.
My encounter with this young man was a moment I needed and didn’t know it. God provides when we need it most. When we encounter others or we have our own encounter, we let go of the shield we have put up and let God be in control.
At a recent workshop I was leading, a phrase was shared about being a “front porch”—being available for others to share their stories or to give an open invitation to join you for Mass or an event.
One participant spoke to me afterward and said, “Anita, you provide that ‘front porch’ for us. You offer opportunities for us to learn more about evangelization, simple approaches, and you inspire and empower us to know more.”
The work we do in the vineyard is built on love, strong relationships and encounters. It is not only about growing grapes; it is about connecting with each other and sometimes unexpectedly with God.
God desires for you to experience him on a personal level not just through stories or teachings. To truly know him is to understand his heartbeat, which reflects his love and purpose for our lives. This deep connection enriches our journey and helps us grow spiritually, just like the vines in the vineyard.
Who are you meeting unexpectedly these days?
(Anita Bardo is the archdiocesan Coordinator of Evangelization and Discipleship. She can be reached at abardo@archindy.org or 317-236-1466.) †