To
be open to a genuine encounter with others, “a kind look” is essential. This is
incompatible with a negative attitude that readily points out other people’s
shortcomings while overlooking one’s own. A kind look helps us to see beyond
our own limitations, to be patient and to cooperate with others, despite our
differences. Loving kindness builds bonds, cultivates relationships, creates
new networks of integration and knits a firm social fabric. In this way, it
grows ever stronger, for without a sense of belonging we cannot sustain a
commitment to others; we end up seeking our convenience alone and life in
common becomes impossible...Those who love are capable of speaking
words of comfort, strength, consolation, and encouragement. These were the
words that Jesus himself spoke: “Take heart, my son!” Mt 9:2; “Great is your
faith!” Mt 15:28; “Arise!” Mk 5:41; “Go in peace” Lk 7:50; “Be not
afraid” Mt 14:27. These are not words that demean, sadden, anger or show
scorn. In our families, we must learn to imitate Jesus’ own gentleness in our
way of speaking to one another.
During dinner
in the monastic refectory, we are listening as a brother reads to us from the
Holy Father's Apostolic Exhortation Amoris
Laetitia. As day by day we seek to live
and pray and work together in harmony here in our monastic household, Pope Francis' words strike the perfect note.
