Feb 8, 2023 | Non categorizzato
Call from the Politics for Unity Movement – Focolare
“A heartfelt and strong call for an immediate end to the embargo in Syria that makes it difficult even to get aid through at this terrible time”. This is addressed by the International Center of the Politics for Unity Movement, an expression of the Focolare Movement, to the international community, governments and the European Union. “At least temporarily suspend the financial embargo in order to promptly allow the humanitarian organizations already active on the ground to provide the necessary aid”. Dramatic news is also arriving from communities and families in the earthquake-hit areas. The Focolare Movement, which has already been working in Syria for years with humanitarian aid and projects, has taken action with a special worldwide fundraiser. However, the difficulty of getting aid to Syria remains due to the measures introduced with the financial embargo. The Politics for Unity Movement is also activating all possible channels of contact with other Movements and Associations and with those who have decision-making power and political persuasion, “but let’s do it quickly, to save as many people as possible”.
Stefania Tanesini
Feb 8, 2023 | Non categorizzato
In a time considered the age of anxiety where no one ever feels up to the expectations of the world, the One who calls us to do great things is a Father who rests his gaze on us as on the day of Creation; a God who looks at that indestructible core of beauty that is in each person and who invites us to keep our eyes open to the efforts of those who are next to us with the same love that He has for us. Repairing the past My parents divorced when I was little and my father then had five wives: from those marriages I have two half-brothers and two half-sisters. My husband’s parents are both addicted to alcohol. Years ago, during a serious trial in the family, my husband and I decided to try to bring serenity among our relatives, as if to straighten our family tree. Since then, with prayer, with the creativity of love, with invitations to dinner, with parties, we have been able to bring about a real “healing”. Of course, all this involves effort and money but we never lack providence. For example, we had organized a birthday party for a half-sister, but at the last moment we realized that we had thought of everything except a gift. God solved the problem through a neighbour: he had bought a beautiful blouse for his daughter that turned out to be too small so he thought of offering it to our daughter. Just the right the gift for my sister! The size and colour were perfect: “How did you know it was just what I wanted” (D.E. – Czech Republic) Looking at things differently We’re a retired couple. Four years ago our neighbours forgot to turn off their garden pump overnight. As a result, our ground floor flooded, causing about $9,000 in damage. We asked the neighbours to report the damage to their insurance company in order to get compensation but they refused because it would increase the annual cost of the insurance. There and then I wanted to take them to court also because there were reliable witnesses. But then, talking about it, my wife and I decided to forgive them. In these four years we have always greeted them kindly, exchanging a few words with them. Two days ago they moved house and, while the workers were loading the furniture on the truck, our neighbour approached my wife: “You are good people and we have wronged you. Please forgive us”. When we heard these words, the world seemed a little more beautiful. (T.C. – USA)
Curated by Maria Grazia Berretta
(taken from The Gospel of the Day, New City, year IX – n.1° January-February 2023)
