January 1980
Answering Lourdes' call, we discover our hands are empty and sometimes our hearts stripped of masks or labels. It is good to be as we are. But are we attentive enough to one another?
"My brothers, as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, don't play favorites. Suppose someone comes into your gathering wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor person comes in wearing shabby clothes. You look at the well-dressed person and say, 'Sit here in this comfortable seat,' but to the poor person you say, 'Stand over there' or 'Sit here on the floor by my feet.' In doing this, haven't you made judgments among yourselves? Listen, my dear brothers: hasn't God chosen the poor of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him?" (James 2:1–5)
All Together
One of our communities' deepest concerns is welcoming the most deeply wounded and the most marginalized among our brothers and sisters.
This unconditional welcome strengthens community life because openness to those most painfully affected becomes an invitation to deeper friendship among all its members.
Not long ago we met Sabina and spent a week camping with her. Sabina is thirteen. She cannot see, cannot speak, hears very little, barely walks. She communicates with the outside world through touch alone. Her face—tender and mysterious in its expression—reveals, now and then, flashes of sadness and joy. The week we spent with her in camp taught us who she truly is.
Yes, there was extra work. Some long hours, some days lived intensively alongside her. Gradually we became experts in each other. And Sabina constantly reminded us of what matters. She took away our desire to complain—not just about the thousand small inconveniences of mountain camping, but about each of our personal struggles.
She did not slow us down. From morning to evening we did nothing without her. Her "yes" was always the last word. For many of us, it was the beginning of conversion.
(Italian testimony from the Brussels gathering)
Questions for Reflection
- Is our community truly welcoming and attentive to those who are isolated, especially those most affected by handicap—whether they live at home, in institutions, or in psychiatric hospitals?
- Have we informed parish leaders about our pilgrimage or Easter celebration plans, and spoken with them about people they might know who would benefit from contact with us? Leave them information about Faith and Light.
- Are some of us ready to start another community?