In The Encounter, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture guides the readers through the spiritual life with the same retreat he gave to Pope Benedict just days before his resignation. This small book presents a unique opportunity for readers-believers and non-believers alike: - Take part in the exclusive retreat preached by Ravasi to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and the Papal household from February 17 to February 24, 2013 - Receive guidance through the Psalms from one the Church's foremost experts - Learn how the Psalms demonstrate God's great love for us and how we can use them to awaken and strengthen our prayer life. - And much more... Along the way, Ravasi weaves in classic works of art, fiction, poetry, and music, creating a rich tapestry of God's goodness. Written with a loving and personal touch by one of the church's premier teachers, Ravasi shows how God is constantly calling us to Him, if only we fix out gaze on Him and open our ears to His word. After reading these pages, we cannot help but raise our eyes to Him.