V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

22 | Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry journey that put into action the Pope’s vision for pastoral discernment in a synodal fashion, they were encouraged to exercise a preferen- tial option for Hispanic/Latino youth, young adults, families, and those who are living in the existential peripheries of their communities. At the heart of the V Encuentro process was a five-session experience of reflection, evan- gelization, and consultation in small groups, guided by five themes inspired by Pope Francis’ call for a Church that goes forth (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, n. 24) and the experi- ence of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. These themes were revisited in a process that enlarged the vision of the delegates through the Parish, Diocesan, and Regional Encuentros, leading to a mountaintop expe- rience with a panoramic view of the Hispanic/ Latino community in the United States at the V Encuentro National Event. It is worthwhile to take to heart once again the words of the Holy Father regarding these five moments: • Taking the first step – Called to a lov- ing encounter with Jesus. In the Emmaus journey, Saint Luke describes how the disciples were walking along, and it was Jesus who took the initiative to approach them, even though they were prevented from recognizing him. (Lk 24:13-15) Pope Francis describes this initiative as a model for the Church: “An evange- lizing community knows that the Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first (cf. 1 Jn 4:19), and therefore we can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast. Such a community has an endless desire to show mercy, the fruit of its own experience of the power of the Father’s infinite mercy. Let us try a little harder to take the first step and to become involved.” ( EG 24) • Getting involved – With words and actions: Do it! Although he knew what the disciples were talking about, Jesus prompted them with open questions to name what they were experiencing in their own words. (Lk 24:17-20) This pasto- ral response corresponds to Pope Francis’ exhortation for the Church to imitate Jesus’ embrace of all human life: “Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. The Lord gets involved and he involves his own, as he kneels to wash their feet. He tells his disciples: ‘You will be blessed if you do this’ (Jn 13:17). An evangelizing commu- nity gets involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary, and it embraces human life, touching the suffer- ing flesh of Christ in others. Evangelizers thus take on the ‘smell of the sheep’ and the sheep are willing to hear their voice.” ( EG 24) • Accompanying – Walking together with Jesus. Once he had heard their concerns, Jesus gave answers from Scripture to enlighten their minds and hearts about the true meaning of what they had expe- rienced. Then, as evening approached, he accepted their invitation to stay with them. (Lk 24:25-29) The Lord’s patience and constant accompaniment is also a model for the Church’s pastoral outreach, as the Holy Father explains: “An evan- gelizing community is always ready to accompany, standing by people at every step of the way, no matter how difficult or V Encuentro as a Model and Guide