Going beyond all my fears

Some years ago, Chiara Lubich invited young people to live the Gospel and especially “to rewrite the Gospel through their own life”. Here is how Marilisa from Italy lived this great challenge:

"For me it means to also make some choices that are not easy. My parents are separated. Even though my mother tried not to make me feel this situation, I strongly felt my father’s absence. When I was small, I would suffer to see my schoolmates be picked up by their fathers at the end of the day, take trips or play with both their parents. I didn’t live this experience.

My father, having moved to another city, didn’t try and get in touch with me and I didn’t have any contact with him. I felt real anger inside of me. In growing up, I tried to forget about the problem; I didn’t want to broach the subject so as not to hurt my mother’s feelings.

After 7 years of no news, I received a call from a relative, on dad’s side, to tell me about my grandfather’s death. They wanted me to be present for the funeral. I felt lost and confused. What was I to do? After all, I told myself, they were the one’s who had not sought me out.

I spoke with my parish priest about this and, after hearing me out, he answered me by citing some sentences of the Gospel: “Do good to those who hate you.” “Forgive….”

This is how Jesus thinks! I no longer had any doubts: I had to go. My mother also gave me a push to take the step.

It was not easy to see my father and all his family again, and I almost regretted having decided to attend. Even stronger though, I felt that I had to take the first step without expecting anything in return. So, even if they did not recognize me right away, I went up to my relatives and my father and gave them a big hug.

Once out of the church, I felt a great joy. The emptiness that I had felt in me was now a fullness.