The Image of True Relationship

BY JACKIE BOVA | May 28, 2018
Sunday’s Readings

Once a week during my years as a student at Saint Louis University, a group of us would prepare a simple meal, pile into vans, and head out to the streets of downtown St. Louis to visit our friends living on the streets.

When I first started going out with the Labre Homeless Ministry group, I felt good about the fact that I was living the commissioning that Jesus issues to “go and make disciples of all nations.” I hoped that bringing people a meal would somehow invite them deeper into the love of Christ.

However, my understanding of the commissioning was too small. I thought about others out there who needed what I had to give but did not really think about what they had to share with me. I thought of the transaction instead of the relationship.

[Saint Louis University via Facebook]

Because we are all children of God by the Spirit of adoption, we are all called to carry the grace of God’s love out into the world. That means that we also must be open to receiving that grace from others, and in doing so, see God in them. I entered into those nights with Labre expecting the commissioning of Jesus to be transactional, that I would bring something to others in need. However, the friends I got to know on the streets of St. Louis taught me that we are all sent out not for transaction but for relationship.

We are each made in the image of the Trinity, the image of true self-giving relationship. As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Trinity, may we strive to live Jesus’ call to go out and encounter one another in genuine relationship.

Jackie Bova

Jackie Bova is a graduate of Saint Louis University, a former campus minister, and a fan of Cleveland sports. She is passionate about ending stigmas surrounding homelessness and disability. Jackie is currently seeking God in all things, including triathlons, business classes, and ice cream.