Focolare Movement

The conductor’s art

Nov 30, 2009

An act of love can release a ray of light

On a winding mountain road, I was driving my elderly friend’s car. He knew every part of the route and with little hand signals was telling me when to slow down, accelerate, and when to proceed with caution. I was following these often barely perceptible signs out of the corner of my eye, and was totally absorbed in the effort to understand him, and to drive the way he would have driven. I imagined him to be the conductor of an orchestra, who was very happy when I managed to perform my part perfectly. That evening Massimiliano, a friar from a long established friary, phoned me. For some time he had been having difficulties with his superior, and he told me that he had no more energy to deal with it, and had decided to leave the friary. I told him my story about the conductor and the orchestra, and realised that he was listening in deep silence. Then he said, “Maybe my mistake was to expect something from my superior. But he cannot play my instrument, he cannot take my place. All he can do is help me to be in harmony with the others! I have to take up my instrument again, accept my responsibilities and show my talent as part of the overall harmony.” He then began to cry. At the end of the call, I realised that an idea that came from an act of love had released a ray of light that someone, somewhere, was waiting for. (T.M, Czech Republic)

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Your email address will not be published.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

USA: NextNow, dialogue between the Muslim and the Focolare communities

USA: NextNow, dialogue between the Muslim and the Focolare communities

‘NextNow’ promotes the Muslim-Christian dialogue which starts from the communities, with a focus on the legacy of the spiritual friendship between Imam W.D. Mohammed and Chiara Lubich. On the 10th of May 2025, Margaret Karram participated in one of the regular meetings. She gave a special online greeting.

Seeds of Peace and Hope for the Care of Creation

Seeds of Peace and Hope for the Care of Creation

On 2nd July, 2025, the Holy Father Leo XIV’s Message for the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation which is celebrated on 1st September, was published. Maria De Gregorio, expert for sustainable development at the Ecosystems Foundation, expert in strategies and actions to reduce environmental risks and impacts, offered us this reflection.