In the Biblical stories, we nearly always find Jacob on the move: he has to run away from his father Isaac, after cheating him and wresting away from him the blessing assigned to Esau. And then he runs away from his father-in-law Laban, to whom he also tricked.

Finally, in the last scene we find him going in the opposite direction, this time towards a reconciliation with his brother. The scene in which the two brothers embrace and Jacob receives Esau´s forgiveness, is extremely touching (Genesis 32). David´s Lynch recent film “The Straight Story”recreates a similar tale about two brothers becoming reconciled. Getting closer to someone, paying the price of closing the gap, healing wounds, and tying knots is one of the most vital gestures, we human are capable of.

Naomi Kojima (Japan)

Many of Sophia's journeys had the same meaning: she was aware of having received the grace of stablishing profound and long-lasting relations, and she also knew, that when circumstances were bound to endanger them, with her presence, words or letters, she was able to explain misunderstandings and renew dialogues. She would not wait for the other person to make steps towards reconciliation, but she would try hard to be the one to get near others, by being naturally humble. All those who got to know her admired her very much for this.

What about us? Are we able to go towards others? When a relationship gets spoilt, rather than looking for who is at fault, do we use our creativity so we can get in touch again, letting our understanding and affection flow?

Peacefully sitting down in silence and prayer we can now caress our feet, get into a dialogue with them, and be grateful for the opportunity they offer to approach and form relationship with others.

Dolores Aleixandre, rscj