That Eloquent Gesture

In African society women and children are considered to be inferior creatures. I had asked Dieudonne what the conduct of a Christian would be like in that regard. We discussed this for two hours, but he wasn’t able to convince me. I had just said goodbye to him when a noise from behind made me turn. A small girl who was carrying a water jar on her head fell to the ground just a few metres away from us. While everyone else laughed without lifting a finger to help her, I watched as Diudonne hastened to help the little one out of the mud. And he didn’t stop at that; then he went back to the fountain to refill her water jar and carried it to her home. I was speechless as I contemplated the scene before me, as were the others – all of them dumbfounded that Dieudonne had acted in this way towards a child. That one gesture was more eloquent than the whole of our discussion.” A. B. (Cameroon)

Taking the Plunge

“I had always considered myself to be on good terms with everyone, but when my daughter began to take drugs my confidence collapsed. I realized that I had to take the plunge and overcome my isolation and reach out to others. I had the opportunity to approach two of my daughters’ friends who had recently been released from prison because of drugs. I went up to them without any judgements. A friendship was formed and, as my daughter found a new relationship with me, these two girls also found strength to return to their families.”  M. T. (Italy)

All She Could

“When our daughter telephoned us that she was on the verge of a divorce, it was a great blow for us. There was no use in rebelling or giving sermons, but only sharing the pain. I tried just the same to make her feel that she wasn’t alone, even though she lives in another State. When she came to visit for a few days with her children, we did our best to make her feel our love and affection. We were so happy when, returning home, she informed us that she was willing to do all she could to rebuild the marriage rather than pursue the divorce.” J.S.-USA

Source: Il Vangelo del giorno, Città Nuova Editrice.