Authentic Encounters with God

"Every authentic encounter with God makes a person less insular, less complacent, and more restless, more inspired, and more committed with the world and humankind.”
— Anthony Gittens

I have experienced many authentic encounters with God in Comodoro, Argentina. During each afternoon in La Casita (childcare center), I experience an authentic encounter with God. I see the care that strong and capable Ana pours into her service to these small people that are so much weaker than she is. These children will never be able to return to Ana all that she has given them. They probably will never even understand all that she has given. In this tenderly caring service, I encounter God at work.

In the generous hospitality of Malena, I experience an authentic encounter with God. Malena gathers all kinds of people together at her table — and she nourishes each one of us with the best that her cupboards have to offer. In this open-handed service, I encounter God at work.

In the untiring patience and gracious teaching of Marcela, I experience an authentic encounter with God. She knows how I long to improve my Spanish — and with respect for my efforts— she gently corrects me. And she listens for all the time it takes for me to say what I am trying to say. In this patient service, I encounter God at work.


In the baptism of Nicolás Marquez, I experienced an authentic encounter with God. Nico’s joy in counting down the days until his baptism, and his confidence in our community — his desire to be connected with us even though we are imperfect: in this unmerited grace, I encounter God at work.

Each one of these encounters (and many more) have opened me up a little more. They have inspired me to take a step a little more outside of my own isolated little world.

Of course, the sad truth is that as soon as I feel a little uncomfortable I am tempted to step back
inside again.

But God continues to open me — and you! — for direct encounters with God’s love. I will always carry with me these authentic encounters I have experienced in Argentina.