The call
I was 16 years old when I began to live the words of Jesus: “Love your neighbour as yourself… Whatever you did to the least of these you did to me.” I started with those close to me: giving up my seat to someone who had none, remaking the bed for the girls I shared a room with, listening to someone, and also at home, where it could be more difficult. Joy grew within me and many questions found answers.
When some friends wanted to know the reason for my change, I invited them too to live the adventure of loving everyone, without distinction. So we began to share our few possessions, our time and our talents. We sought to help the poor and in particular we became involved in raising funds for the construction of a hospital and a school in Cameroon. Thinking of the great debt the West owed Africa, this seemed right to us. This full and beautiful life, dedicated to God and to others, opened me to later to hear and respond to the words of Jesus: “Come and follow me.” (Aurea – Italy)
Is God jealous?
I knew that the Bible speaks of a jealous God in Exodus, when it tells how His people turned to idols. But I too once had a small experience of this. I was going through a period in which God was not really at the centre of my life; I was caught up in many things, various activities and I confess I had neglected Him.
Then one day I found myself confined to bed with severe back pain. I could not move at all without experiencing intense pain. This continued for several days due to sciatica that started in my back and ran down my whole leg. In those difficult moments I remembered Jesus crucified and forsaken, who had certainly suffered more than I had. I recognised Him and understood that even this was His way of drawing me back. He was “jealous” in the sense that He wanted me with Him. He had always been with me, as He is with all of us -it was I who had stopped being with Him. That experience helped me get back on my feet, not only physically, but also spiritually. (F. – Belgium)
An Economy of Communion business
I am so certain of God’s love that I want to share this certainty with as many people as possible. In this way, groups were formed in my village and nearby valleys where we help one another to live the Gospel. But there is more – I and some friends made many sacrifices to start an agricultural business along the lines of the Economy of Communion (EoC), a global business and social model which allocates part of its profits to helping people in need and creating new jobs for them; another part is used to strengthen the company, improve product quality and ensure sustainability in the market and a third part supports the formation of people with a new economic mind-set based on fraternity and solidarity.
Over the years I have experienced God’s providence many times! For example, when the courgette harvest unexpectedly increased, or when buyers offered more than I intended to ask. But above all, in working this way I feel God closer and this gives me the encouragement to continue along this path. (L.F. – Italy)
Compiled by Maria Grazia Berretta
Experiences taken from “Il Vangelo del Giorno”, Città Nuova, year XII – no. 4 – July–August 2026
Source: Focolare International Website
Photo credit: Pixabay
