In St. Luke’s gospel Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs. Pope Gregory the Great has an interesting take on why. It was not so much that they would have companions on the journey, holding hands and singing kumbaya. Rather, the presence of another would provide the opportunity for the disciples to practice forgiveness, to learn mercy. Pope Gregory knew that even people with the best of intentions can give and take wounds. Having to deal with another person would be the incubator where “love of neighbor” would be joined to the “love of God” that inspired them to become disciples. When we look at our own stories, we find the wisdom of this observation. As we rub up against one another we learn charity.
