Suffering teaches wisdom. This is the belief expressed by Chiara Lubich in the following reflection. We should approach those who suffer not only with compassion, but with an attitude of reverence and listening.
Building an “exterior castle”
In the spirituality of unity a person not only seeks God in the depths of their own soul, but discovers His presence in the space that opens up when two or more people love one another in the spirit of the Gospel. The image that Chiara Lubich uses to describe this reality is that of a castle: not an interior castle, but an exterior one.
Our penance
Una spiritualità comunitaria conosce anche una “purificazione” comunitaria, come spiega Chiara Lubich nel seguente testo. Come il fratello amato nello stile evangelico, è causa di enorme gioia, così l’assenza di rapporti e di unità con gli altri può causare sofferenza e dolore.
The demands of true love
The pandemic has not only had serious immediate consequences, but has often brought to light many pre-existing personal, social and political problems. In the following text Chiara Lubich emphasises the first essential step for those who really want to change the world.
Being alongside those who suffer
The following text by Chiara Lubich touches on a subject that the current pandemic has brought much into evidence: suffering. It helps us to perceive a mysterious presence of God in suffering, since nothing escapes his love. This genuinely Christian approach instils hope and encourages us to make every suffering our own, those that affect us directly or that of the people around us.
Letters from the Mariapolis
The Mariapolis, a traditional summer gathering of the Focolare, is held and continues in various parts of the world with varied features and expressions, as seen from the many messages we have received, some of which we are sharing here.
June Word of Life
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matt 5:9)
Lord, give me all who are lonely
Mentre ci avviciniamo al 10° anniversario della scomparsa di Chiara Lubich (14 marzo 2008), proponiamo un suo breve testo degli anni ‘50 nel quale traspare la passione per tutte le creature che soffrono.
Women masterpieces
A mother, an adolescent, a scientist, and a “shining” woman. On the international day dedicated to women, a brief profile of four women who, touched by the charism of unity, made their lives a masterpiece for God. For these, and many others, the cause for beatification is underway.
To embroider patterns of light on the crowd
One of Chiara Lubich’s best known reflections sums up the Focolare founder’s charism on the tenth anniversary of her death. It is to reach “the highest contemplation” and share in “God’s plans for humanity.” The charism of unity is a driver of social change.