The courage to be consistent to the point of risking one’s job

 I am a law student and work in a Ministry in Paraguay. In order to defend my principles until their ultimate consequences, I often find myself going against the mainstream of a mentality that is the opposite of God’s design.

An important person at work, who enjoyed certain privileges, was clearly behaving dishonestly. In order to justify himself he argued: “If you have decided to be a lawyer and not break any laws, you are wasting your time and will surely die of hunger.”
I felt that it wasn’t true. I had the examples of many people who live according to their principles and I told him so. Though it was risky I had to do speak up, and I spoke with kindness. That inner voice won which told me it is an act of love to tell another that which is wrong.

Just as I had feared, I lost my job for having expressed my convictions. Though I suffered terribly, I knew that I had acted in the right way, so I was serene at the same time. The knowledge that I have a Father for whom all is possible and who loves me beyond all measure is too strong. Doesn’t the Gospel say that the Father who cares for the birds of the sky cares all the more for us?

Humanly speaking, the economic and employment situation in Paraguay left no hope. Yet that same evening, I received two job propositions. I had an interview the next day. What’s more the new job is more in line with my studies and therefore more interesting and formative. The thanks I hold in my heart for the Father is infinite. A new challenge opens before me and offers me thousands of opportunities to love and serve.

P.C. – Paraguay

From “The Little Flowers of Chiara and the Focolari” – St Paul Publishers