Focolare Movement

The Gospel lived: like a mother who consoles her son

Feb 4, 2016

The phrase of the Gospel chosen for the month of February reminds us that God is like a mother who consoles us and comes to our aid in times of need. Some brief episodes.

20160204-01The sign from heaven While I was waiting to have a check-up at the doctor’s, I happened to hear a lady pregnant with her fourth child, say to the secretary that she could not keep the child, given her economic conditions. “God will keep him in mind”, she concluded. Since I could not remain indifferent to this news, I immediately recounted this to my close friends, and together we decided to collect some funds among us. I then went to the doctor’s secretary to ask her to give the money to that lady without revealing its source. In the meantime we entrusted all this to God. Time passed and we did not know the outcome; somebody noted that the lady’s tummy continued to grow (we live in a small town where we all know one another) In the end, a beautiful baby was born. After a year I received the lady’s thanks, since she had guessed where that money had come from: “The day before the abortion, I had asked God to enlighten me on the right thing to do. Late in the evening, the doctor’s secretary came by with your envelope. For me it was a sign from heaven.” (R. – Italy) The iron Corina needed an iron. My first thought was to entrust her need to God’s providence. Later, a lady invited me to a parish breakfast. Since I had so many things to do, I felt like saying no. But I accepted just to make her happy. I found myself having coffee with some elderly ladies who were pleased to have a young person in their midst. It was there that I saw an acquaintance: she had bought an iron that was too heavy for her, and she asked me if I knew of anyone who needed it. I was happy and immediately thought of my prayer. (I.- Switzerland) While waiting for the train… I had been betrayed by the people I loved and had thus left the family to live on my own. I was severely depressed, and had tried to kill myself a few times. The last time was in a small train station. While I was waiting for the first train to throw myself on the rails, a nun joined me at the tracks and convinced me to desist. Then she took care of me, and introduced me to a rehab community that welcomed me with open arms. At first, I refused the love they showed me due to the hatred I harboured inside. Even if I did not want to hear about God, one of them convinced me to read the Bible. Little by little the hardness of my heart began to melt and faith started to grow inside me. Some years have passed and I have learned to forgive, love my neighbor and be patient… Now I have reconnected also with my relatives, I have a job, a home, and feel serene. Nothing happens by chance. Thanks to God who has made me experience his immense love! (C. – Italy)

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