Idea of the month – November 2025
Living the Gospel: with treasure in our hearts
In our daily lives, unexpected situations sometimes arise that alter our plans. We can let ourselves be overwhelmed by them and end up feeling bitter about what we have experienced. If, on the other hand, we keep in mind the “treasure”, which is love for our neighbour, we will find a way to deal with those situations and the sweet taste of peace will remain in our hearts.
Living the Gospel: the courage to stop
The parable of the good Samaritan teaches us not only to draw close, touching the wounds of those around us and breaking down the walls of prejudice, but through this Word we come to understand the art of compassion and the infinite mercy with which God embraces us, cares for us and leaves us free to abandon ourselves to his love.
Living the Gospel: “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you” (Jn. 21:17).
In the trust that Jesus places in us, each one can find the strength to love as he teaches and the ability to bear witness to that love as the disciples did.In love it is possible to go beyond ourselves and our weaknesses. When Jesus dwells in us, what he works is nothing short of wonderful.
Searching for peace: a path in the hands of each of us
Eliminate every desire of power. In a world constantly torn apart by conflict and in following Pope Leo XIV’s invitation to build an “unarmed and disarming” peace, we want to share a reflection by Chiara Lubich that is extremely relevant for us today, taken from a 1981 Word of Life.
Education based on Peace
How can we become peacemakers in our everyday lives, right where we are? Anibelka Gómez, from the Dominican Republic, shares her story, showing how education can build human networks that sow beauty for the good of entire communities.
In the same boat: a journey toward peace
8 months of navigation, 30 ports, 200 young people. The ship for peace, ‘Bel Espoir’ set sail in March 2025 from Barcelona (Spain) and will continue its voyage until October. Its route will link five shores of the Mediterranean. On board, eight groups of twenty-five young people of various nationalities, cultures and religions that share a common desire to build a better world. They will live together and get to know each other, amid debates and personal experiences, tackling new issues at each stop. Among them are traveling twenty Living Peace ambassadors and other young people from the Focolare Movement. Bertha from Lebanon shares her experience. She is involved in the MediterraNEW project which works for the education of young people, predominately migrants in the Mediterranean.
Living the Gospel: “Test everything but hold on to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5: 21)
Trying to put the words of the Gospel into practice in everyday situations or when making important decisions, naturally leads to transforming effects which are sometimes really surprising. It’s like this: give and you will receive, put love into your actions and you will find love and friendship, make decisions with the common good in mind and you will find the way forward.
A culture of peace for the unity of peoples
“We must believe, therefore, that we are loved by God so that we can throw ourselves with greater faith into the adventure of love and work together with him for a New Humanity.” This was affirmed by Chiara Lubich, foundress of the Focolare Movement, during an International Conference at Castel Gandolfo (Rome – Italy) on the 11th of June 1988.
A soul of peace for the world
Today, 7 October, is the day of fasting and prayer for peace called by Pope Francis. We propose an excerpt from Chiara Lubich’s message to the ‘Youth for a United World’ in May 1998.