A few coins, a family’s meal
Since the battle against drug trafficking started in Mexico, there have been many victims, not always because of criminal violence. Some time ago, I was on my way home from school when a young guy asked me for a cigarette. Just then, some policemen arrived and they searched us. Then they started beating the other guy and insulting him, leaving him injured and bleeding in the middle of the road. I had witnessed this without being able to do anything, but then I helped him get up and gave him the few coins I had in my pocket. He thanked me and said, ‘This money means my family will have a meal today.’
(Abraham, Mexico)
Letters for prisoners
In our young people’s catechism class, we studied the Works of Mercy. To put them into practice we thought of writing to women in prison. I outlined the project to the Prison Governor who did not agree at first. However, later, when he had consulted other staff, he saw it was a good idea and could help the women. So, the project was approved and the young people got to work preparing drawings and letters to send to the prisoners.
(Prisca, Switzerland)
A bazaar for the poor
I knew a few poor families and wanted to help them. In the office a colleague asked me if I was interested in some good quality clothing she no longer needed and toys that belonged to her children who were now grown up. I told her about my desire to help the families and she decided to get others involved. Very soon we had gathered so much stuff in a garage that we either gave away or sold at a bazaar. With the proceeds we have been able to help a lot of families in difficulty. After this experience another colleague who is often very grumpy said we couldn’t stop there so we keep looking around to see who else we can help.
(R.A.R. –Brazil)
To welcome and to listen
For me, communication is vital, but because of an illness I have difficulty speaking. I can’t do much but I can welcome and listen to people who come and visit me. Sometimes they tell me about all the problems they have, but when they leave, they seem relieved. That’s why I thank God for my illness.
(Marisa, Italy)
The pullover
My husband was getting ready to leave for a congress and needed a pair of shoes and a pullover. We managed to buy the shoes but there wasn’t time to buy the pullover because we felt it was more important to go to a meeting with a group of families that share experiences of living the Gospel. It so happened that one of the women in the group had brought two pullovers for anyone who might need them. My husband tried them on and we were surprised and touched to see how well they suited him.
(D.M., Serbia)
Ask God for what we need
My husband and I were looking for accommodation for my brother who was getting married, but prices and other circumstances made it difficult to find the right place. Time passed and I was starting to get anxious. How were we ever going to help him? One day, our youngest child suggested something we hadn’t even thought of: ask God for what we needed. And that’s what we did. A few hours later, my brother called us to say he was thrilled to have found just the right apartment.
