Focolare Movement

Living the Gospel: Being generous with each other

Mar 25, 2014

The Word of Life of this month invites us not to be stingy with the care and attention we give to those who cross our path: here are some concrete experiences.

The blood

The car in front of me skidded, hit a wall and overturned. I was able to brake in time. There were people helping the wounded: an elderly lady, a little boy and a youth. But no one wanted to bring them to the hospital for fear of being accused of causing the accident. So in my case, even if the sight of blood would often cause me to faint, I took courage and loaded them into my car. Before the hospital would accept them they asked for a deposit, but they had no money. So I signed a cheque and made sure that the wounded were well cared for, happy that I was able to overcome my emotions, but above all because I was able to do something for my brothers in need.

M. S.-Argentina

Beyond tiredness

Many times, when I arrive home, I feel the emptiness that the death of my wife has left and I would prefer just to remain alone, peaceful; but I felt that I had to forget myself and increase the relationship with my children. It is difficult to be both father and mother. The other evening, coming home from work, I realized that everyone was still awake: I would have wanted to rest, but instead I started to play with them, forgetting my tiredness. To my surprise, one of them, with whom the relationship has always been difficult, came to me and with affection sat on my lap. He never did this before.

S. R.-Usa

Chocolates

I brought as box of chocolates for some of my very dear friends. In return they wanted to give me an even bigger box: “For your daughters”. On the bus, while I was on my way home, a gypsy couple came in with a child who was maybe five years old. The little girl was looking at my box of chocolates longingly. In the beginning I pretended not to look at her. But I was not peaceful. “Jesus help me to understand what I should do”. Precisely in that moment the litle girl came to me and held out her hand towards the chocolate. I couldn’t refuse and so I gave them to her. But as I went down from the bus I was a little disappointed that I was going home empty-handed. But as soon as I arrived home, my wife told me that a friend passed by to greet her and left a big basket of sweets. I was speechless and very happy.

W.U. – Rome

Taken from: Il Vangelo del giorno (The Gospel of the Day) , Città Nuova Publishing House

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