From « the Word » to actions
They share with us…
… experiences based on “The Word”
To make ourselves one
I am a Brother of the Christian Schools. I live in old Quebec where I direct our residence composed of about ten religious. In this large house we welcome many visitors, we run a library specialized in spirituality and we offer a meeting place to groups who need it.
This meeting place is much sought after because it is very well located, very well equipped and offers the possibility of parking, which is rare in our area. It is used by many groups: for prayer, meditation, sharing of the Gospel, advanced training, formation and so on.
One day I received a call from someone who had heard about it and was interested in reserving this space for his group. I invited him to come and visit the space before reserving it to be sure that it was suitable for him. He came with a companion. They quickly realized that they liked the place a lot. However, they had some reservation: the decoration (statues, crucifix, holy images) did not suit them because they are Buddhists. They were willing to use the place on the condition that, at each of their meetings, the religious signs would be removed. At first, I was shocked by their request, but I did not show it. I almost pointed out to them that they were in a house run by Roman Catholic religious. Then I remembered a phrase from Chiara that invited us to be one with our neighbor in everything but sin, and I thought that it wouldn't be a sin to remove the crucifix from the room the night they meet.
The first night they came I made sure to remove all religious signs from the room before they arrived, which they appreciated. The next month I waited until they arrived to do the work with them so they could put everything back when they left. To my surprise, the person in charge told me that it was not necessary to remove everything. He added: "Because you respected us as we are, we have to do the same with you and take the place as it is without changing anything". I translated it in my head "you have loved us as we are, now we must do the same".
Y.D. féc, Quebec
Going all the way for love
I frequently visited a lady who was drowning in grief after the sudden death of her husband. I tried to comfort her and to transmit to her the faith, the hope and the love of God. One day, I gave her my opinion on hatred and resentment that can become like mold that blocks our heart and makes us unhappy. Fifteen years later, during a deep exchange between us, she reminded me of this discussion which encouraged her to become more tolerant.
From time to time, I used to go with some members of the Focolare to visit the women prisoners in my city. We noticed that a Sri Lankan woman had been held in prison for a long time for a theft that did not deserve such a long punishment. Having heard from one of my friends that a public prosecutor was known for his philanthropy and that he could help the Sri Lankan woman and free her, I decided to trust him. I called him and explained the case. He allowed me to take a notary to the prison so that the woman could make the required power of attorney. After some time, the lady was given justice and was released.
S.A., Montreal.
A new look
A few years ago, I was hired in a company for a few months. On the first day, I had a basic training by a resource person and then I was left on my own. From that point on, I felt some hostility from my colleague. I didn't have the support I expected and had to do it on my own. Her attitude was weighing on me and I couldn't do my job fully. I had to find a way to make the atmosphere more harmonious.
I asked the Holy Spirit to enlighten me. And that's when I heard the little voice saying "love her". "Yes, but ... how?"
So I told myself that in order to truly love her, I had to look at her with new eyes. Instead of asking her for what I needed, I started to ask her for her opinion on what I should do.
Some time later, I realized that her attitude towards me was changing. So much so, that she was now the one coming to me whenever she was feeling I was in trouble. And she was happy to share her knowledge with me and encourage me. I could not believe my eyes and ears!
It doesn't take much to make a difference in your environment. You just need to have a new look at people. Look at them with love. Listen to them with love.
A few months later, my contract ended. And this same colleague, who had been suspicious of me at first, was trying by all means to find me a position in this company so that I could stay there. She was no longer the same person. She was a beloved person!
M., Montreal