The phrase often returns to me—it is our motto: "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." And I think how many times we lack even the strength to light a candle, or even to curse the darkness. But the worst thing is to remain paralyzed in darkness.
Enza Gucciardo
If you are always seeking your own balance—even if you seek your own peace too much—you will never find it. Peace is the fruit of love, and love means serving others.
It is the great fear at the heart of every human being: the fear of finding yourself alone with your own limits and your own poverty. It is spiritual death.
My presence has worth and can give life to someone who has been deeply wounded and has the right to know they are loved.
At the heart of community there must be listening full of respect and tenderness toward what is most beautiful and most true in the other person.
We can be together without truly meeting. A real encounter is rare and wonderful—it is being present to one another, giving each other life.
(Words of Jean Vanier)