von James Smith am 13.12.2020 - 08:38 Uhr | melden
I met Siegfried at the beginning of my introduction to the Focolare.
The thing that attracted me about the movement was the joy I found among these people. Teaching in an inner city high school left me burnt out and without enthusiasm. What struck me was how the Focolarini “listened” to me and to others. Siegfried was a good listener. His presence at meetings gave me a sense that people listened and cared. Once I arrived to a meeting only to discover that I was on time but it was the wrong night. Siegfried invited me in and offered me something to drink. Then we had an improvised meeting with others living in the Focolare. It was beautiful to see how Siegfried and the others made themselves “one” with me. I felt a joy that overcame my disappointment. Later I discovered that we had a special Jesus in the midst that evening. Siegfried had a stability and joy that helped me just by his presence. Years later, I saw how sad he was when a Focolarina he knew a long time became ill. When he was going back to Austria after many years in the US, he shared his concerns about such a big change. However, he had that same stability and joy because he knew this move was God’s will for him. When I think of a rock, a port in the storm, I think of my dear loving and compassionate friend Siegfried.
1 Jim Smith Sent from my iPhone
