Sant'Egidio's Christmas Lunch

I attended Sant'Egidio's Christmas lunch, and it was wonderful. Beyond the joy of being together, I was struck by the words of Father Charles: "How often does the Word of the Gospel, without warning, sweep over us like a wave of the sea in a tender embrace. And how often—so often—we find it hard to live out what we hear in the Gospel. But if we truly listen and open the doors of our hearts, everything becomes simpler. This Christmas lunch for our most vulnerable brothers and sisters is a way of ensuring no one feels alone. That's why we help bring a smile to those who have lost one." I believe this too, and I say it always: we must open our hearts. Everything would be simpler.