The “seven miles” of the Movement  “Lay-Friends ”

Which are the steps made … for which future?

The word to our travelling  companions

As every day morning, after the Eucharistic celebration, in the Chapter hall Alessandro started with a brief reflection on the gospel of the day, feast of St. Benedict, Mat 19: 27-29. He invited us to enter into the dynamic of following Jesus which signifies “to leave” for “to receive”. And he asked to the assembly : “what was in the heart of Peter when he asks to Jesus: ‘Behold, we have left everything and we have followed you; what will we receive?”.

It is an invitation to step out of our mentality of give to receive;

–          It reveals our need of security;

–          It expresses the desire to understand if it is truly worthy to follow Jesus;

In reality God is not making a balance sheet on giving and receiving, he will give each day what it is necessary. However, Jesus is not scandalized by the question of Peter!

Soon after, Sr. Christine introduced the topic of the day which consists in listening the FJA. The steering group presented the document: 2010 – 2015 The journey of the friends. The Chapter : to start again instantly.

The text was divided in three parts. The first part regards the journey of the last five years, the activities of formation and different commitments, the preparation to the General Chapter.

After the break, the assembly asked questions to the steering group to clarify the proposals that the FJA have sent to the Chapter: the structures, the statutes, the juridical acknowledgment to unfold voluntary services, the mission and the formation.

At the end of the discussion, they highlighted the vitality of the journey of the laity, FJA, and thanked god for the action of the Spirit who surprises us, who precedes and whose force transforms the life.

In the afternoon, at 15,30, Sr. Maria Luisa proposed a spiritual reflection on the gospel of the disciples of Emmaus. After a short time of personal prayer, the chapter members met in chapel at 18.45 to conclude the day with evening prayer.