In the apartment building

I was climbing the stairs to my apartment when I thought of the neighbour across from me who has major health problems. I never seemed to find time for her and this time too, I was tempted to put it off but the thought of doing it to Jesus gave me the push I needed. After visiting her and she was very happy just to have a chat, I was stopped by some other neighbours who, seeing me there, also wanted to hear my opinion on an old issue of the condominium was still unresolved. I wanted to cut them short, I still had to prepare lunch but I stopped to listen to everyone’s reasoning. At the same time, I tried to think of a solution that could bring harmony back to the building but none seemed viable to me. Maybe all I could really do was love them by listening to them. In the end, a solution emerged that was right for everyone. After saying goodbye, as if to thank me, one of them came back and gave me a medallion. But what mattered most to me was that I had built a new relationship with my neighbours.

(Fulvia – Italy)

Ten Years Later

That evening I found my wife busy doing the dishes. How could I tell her that the mitral valve that kept me alive was failing and that, after ten years, I would need surgery again? The first time there had been the anguish of the potential separation, the thought of our children whom I already pictured as orphans… then acceptance and finally peace, ready to “leave” at any moment. Then, the operation itself, which was painful but followed by a good recovery. But the greatest gift had been to feel that God was always close to us, precisely through the physical limitations that followed. Meanwhile, contrary to the doctors’ prognosis, the miracle of a somewhat stable health had lasted longer. But now, suddenly, palpitations and the feeling of exhaustion had brought me back to reality. However, I did not lose my calm. I kissed Adita and mentioned some tests that the doctor had prescribed for me. That was enough for her to understand. She looked at me with a smile. I smiled back. It was our “yes” to what God was asking of us. All we had to do was abandon ourselves to him once again.

(Hannibal – Argentina)

No longer alone

Ever since I was a teenager I’ve had a special concern for the poor, the sick and the lonely. Over the years, I’ve met many, including a woman with two children, rejected by everyone, because of mental health issues. When she passed away, the two children were even more alone, but they continued to consider me as a family member: I went to visit them from time to time and helped them as much as I could. Sometime later, one of them also passed away and joined their mother in heaven. F. remained alone, the brother whom, because of his violence, the neighbours considered as unapproachable. He never left the house and I couldn’t bring anyone with me on my visits because he wouldn’t accept anyone else. Seeing in him the true image of Jesus Crucified, I decided to go to visit him anyway. Before going, I phoned a friend and asked her to come to look for me if I didn’t call her back after 30 minutes. F.’s joy in seeing me come into his house without any fear was immense: having someone to talk to was the greatest gift he’d ever received. Since then, almost every evening, he sends me a message. I reply, trying to give him hope. Now F. is no longer alone.

(G. – Italy)

compiled by Maria Grazia Berretta

(taken from The Gospel of the Day, New City, year X– no.1 July-August 2025)

Photo © Mihaly-Koles-Unsplash