A Change of Gaze

By Tim R., alumnus

In July, I had the wonderful opportunity to accompany the Con-solatio community and their new volunteers during their orientation. What an immense grace to see the lives of the orientees start to taste the first fruits of this beautiful calling to “stand at the foot of the Cross of Jesus” with Mary!

I think all of us present during the Orientation could agree that that it was quite beautiful seeing the readiness and availability of the orientees for whatever we had to propose to them. From taking care of the small little details like putting flowers on the table, to helping prepare the liturgy, and even eventually accepting to follow the Lord to their “new promised land,” their openness was remarkable.

It’s true! By offering our simple presence, our friends’ gazes can change! Just by being with the others in the community, I myself felt once again this movement of my gaze towards Christ. It was a gift to be able to be with my friends once again, and learn that the gift of the mission isn’t something I have to work to make happen. I simply have to open my eyes to see that it is already here.