Focolare Movement

For living the Gospel

Jul 22, 2015

July’s Word of Life reminds us that no matter how hard and difficult our life circumstances might be, we are certain that Jesus has already taken them upon himself and overcome them. Some brief stories of people who believe this every day.

sbarre (350 x 233)In the waiting room – “Our son and his friend were jailed for drug dealing.  During the long waits before visitations with inmate relatives, we got to know a young foreigner with a sad face. For three years she had to travel a great distance on foot, to be able to visit her friend regularly, who was in jail. When she heard that she could count on us in the future to give her a ride in our car, she finally smiled and couldn’t thank us enough.  On the following visit, to lighten the wait especially for the small children who had come with their mothers, we brought along some toys, sweets and fruit. When he learned what was happening in the waiting room where there was a more serene atmosphere, we saw a positive change in our son’s relationship with us.” (Italy) Pardon – “I had gone to live with a colleague, leaving behind my wife and four children. While the eldest of my children took it badly and left the house, my wife and the other three began to ask God for the grace of my return. Little by little I found the strength to leave the other woman; to avoid seeing her at work (since we work in the same company), I also left my job. I returned to my family, unemployed until I was able to find a very simple job. Living humility was good for me. I thank God for the support I received from other families and especially for the forgiveness I received from my wife and my children with whom I have begun a new path.” (USA) On the phone – “Years ago my wife died at the age of 23 in an automobile accident. Since that day I felt a subtle bitterness towards the friend who had been driving and remained uninjured. I held him responsible for that death. He’s now married with children. With trembling hands I dialled his telephone number. His wife answered surprised and embarrassed when I told her it was me. I opened my heart to her: ‘I’ve been thinking about all of you for the past few days. I wanted to see you, to know your children. . . I’d be so happy if you’d come and visit me.” She was overcome with emotion and promised me they would visit. . . I found myself feeling so happy and light.  (Switzerland) The numbers do add up – “A mother of five children with health problems, drugs and alcoholism, life choices that have led to irregular families, amidst tension and fights, now I’m a widow. Alone, in the face of problems liberty1 (350 x 263)that people could never even imagine, since I look so calm. I should say that I’m helped by my character, but I was able to react to certain situations thanks especially to the gift of faith and the support of friends. Now I’m living on my pension, but I manage just the same to help some needy people every month. At times I would like to say ‘no more’. Indeed it was be easy to put something aside for when I’m old. But it’s more powerful than me. And I see that Divine Providence continues to arrive right on time every time, and the numbers do add up.” (Italy)  

___

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Newsletter

Thought of the day

Related post

Together to strengthen hope

Together to strengthen hope

In a divided and polarised world, can Movements and new Communities contribute to unity within the Church and in the world? On the eve of the great Jubilee of the Movements in St Peter’s Square, at which Pope Leo XIV will be present, some of the moderators of different ecclesial movements describe the value of the path of friendship and collaboration.

Up2Me for Children: a new educational opportunity

Up2Me for Children: a new educational opportunity

A training course on emotional and sexual education for children and families, offering the chance to grow together as a family unit by developing positive relationships with oneself and others and gaining relationship skills for family and community life.

Family: to forgive and to be forgiven

Family: to forgive and to be forgiven

We would like to share the testimony given by Aureliana and Julián from Paraguay during the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly held in Rome on 31st May-1st June, 2025, attended by 50.000 people and in the presence of Pope Leo XIV.