Focolare Word of Life

Focolare Word of Life — December 2023 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1Thes 5:16-18) Paul wrote to the Thessalonians at a time when many of Jesus' contemporaries were still alive. They had seen and heard him and had witnessed the tragedy of his death and the wonder of his resurrection and ascension. They...

Keeping our souls awake

Each month the Focolare chooses a Scripture passage as a guide and inspiration for daily living. The commentary on it was originally written by founder, Chiara Lubich (1920–2008). Today this Word of Life, written by an international commission and translated into 96 different languages, reaches several million people worldwide. For audio and videos resources about the WoL, visit focolaremedia.com

Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. (Mt. 22:21) Jesus has entered Jerusalem and people have acclaimed that he is the ‘Son of David’. This is a royal title that Matthew's Gospel attributes to the Christ who has come to announce that the Kingdom of God is eminent. In this context, a unique dialogue takes place between Jesus and a group of peop...

Kathleen Masters from Chicago shares how she sustained a friend who was experiencing a difficult moment in her life. Susan O’Gara from Florida tells us about a seemingly disastrous car trip and how she ended up being a blessing to people she encountered along the way. After a challenging relationship with a friend at school, Emma Alonso from Gainesville, Florida shares how time was a healer.

"Blessing God by Sharing Our Life"

Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever. (Ps 145 [144]:2). Psalm 145 is a prayer the psalmist, based on his personal experience, acclaims the greatness of God in his life. He magnifies God’s goodness and the universality of His Love when he writes ‘the Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made’ (v.9). He also confirms that God is faithful and ho...

The title of this month's reflection by Fr. Tyler Mattson is "God wants more for you"

FOCOLARE WORD OF LIFE – August 2023 “ Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish. ” (Mt 15:28) Jesus is heading for the Gentile cities of Tyre and Sidon. He along with his disciples are looking for a place to get away and rest in solitude and prayer when a nameless woman shows up. The disciples tell Jesus to send her away. She doesn’t let the fact that she is not an Israelite d...

"The Holiness of Asking for Help"—The Focolare Word of Life Podcast of Experiences, July 2023 In today’s episode, Steve Morris from Harrisburg PA shares how he helps a couple in a pregnancy care center. 10-year-old Claire Crawford from Augusta Georgia tells us about a challenging friendship at school. Chiara Lang from Houston TX shows us how she was a catalyst of unity at her work place.

Focolare Word of Life - July 2023 “I promise you that whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of these lowly ones because he is a disciple will not want for his reward.” (Mt 10:42) The evangelist Matthew is a highly educated Christian scribe; he is thoroughly familiar with the promises of the God of Israel and for him Jesus' words and actions are their fulfilment. Therefore, in his Gospel he pres...

"Love mends communities"--The Focolare Word of Life Podcast Experiences June 2023 In today’s episode, Maria from Houston shares about a challenging time with one of her siblings as the family inheritance gets in the way of their relationship. Kay and Michael from Texas show mercy towards a distraught young man who took advantage of their family funds. Richard Lang shares how living this month’s Wo...

“Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Cor 13:11) The apostle Paul followed the development of the Christian community in the city of Corinth with love and attention. He visited and supported the people during difficult times. In his letter to the Corinthians, he...

In today’s episode, Rose Schmitz has a challenging phone call with a customer service representative regarding her lost package but eventually mutual understanding prevails. Eddie and Anne from Scotland shares how their family opened their home to a refugee family from Ukraine. And David Peterson tells us how he made an extra effort to love all those he encountered during a family trip.

Focolare Word of Life —May 2023 “Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.” (Rom 12:10) This month’s word of life is taken from the letter written by Paul to the Romans. The text is rich in content. Paul presents the Christian life as one where love abounds, a gratuitous and limitless love that God has poured into our hearts and that we, in turn, give to others. T...

In today’s episode, Ada Alonso from Florida shares how she loses her chance to visit her dad during his final moments in the hospital in order to make it possible for her brother, Luis to do so. Then Pong Chan from Dallas Texas tells us how he and his wife Anna reached out to an elderly woman they share the Word of life with. Kirkwood Watson from Houston shares how he helped a neighbor in need.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Col 3:2) The first Christian communities had only just formed, yet they were already experiencing internal disagreements due to false interpretations of the Gospel message. Paul, who was in prison, learned of these problems in Colossus and wrote to this community. This month’s Word of Life can be better understood if we r...