Page 222 - spiritual_accompaniment_montreal_archdiocese

HOMILIES

On the other hand, in our immediate family, we are spending more time together. When we
are forced to spend more time together, we are also more confronted with each other’s pres-
ence, which includes our impatience and fragility.

In this particular context, gentleness is especially important, as it is so easy to say a hurtful
word! It is much too easy! We see it every day, as the media are full of it. The world of
communications is full of harsh words.

Let us remember that we can stand against 
hurtful words, that we can speak words of

gentleness to those around us, to communicate
gentleness.

Let us open our hearts to the gentleness of God
so that we, too, can show gentleness in response
to the hardness of life.


Let us remember that we can stand against this, that we can speak words of gentleness to
those around us, to communicate gentleness. But how can we communicate gentleness if we
don’t experience the gentleness of God in our life? Let us open our hearts to the humility of
God, to the gentleness of God’s so that we, too, can be humble with others, being of service to
others, and showing gentleness in response to the hardness of life.
The family is the environment that can become a microcosmos of gentleness. In the family,
are we able to be patient with each other? Are we able to wait for one another? Are we able to
be gentle with each other?

If ever there are moments of impatience, think of God who is patient with us! If ever there are
moments of humiliation, ask for the grace to not humiliate another in return. Sometimes, we
make the experience of being humiliated, maybe because of some failure that we experienced
in the workplace, or even right within our immediate family, without having wanted any of it,
even if our own actions might have had a lot to do with it.

(cont’d)

Collection of texts by the Most Rev. Christian Lépine 222