Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her

Rome, 25 february 1983 Commentary of the Word of Life: Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her (Jn.8:7). While Jesus was teaching in the temple, the Scribes and Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught in the act of committing adultery. They said to Jesus, ‘In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ (Jn. 8:5). They wanted to set a trap for him. If Jesus had shown himself to be against the stoning, they could have accused him of going against the law. According to the law, the eye-witnesses had to begin stoning the one who had sinned, to be followed by the rest of the people. If, instead, Jesus had confirmed the death sentence, they would have made him contradict his own teaching about God’s mercy to sinners. But Jesus, bending down and writing on the ground with his finger, showed how unruffled he was. He straightened up and said: Let

Bruxelles, April 1, 1977 “Leave only the Gospel to those who follow you” (December 1972). This interview strongly echoes the inner calling of Jesus. Question:    Chiara, according to you what does it mean to love somebody?" Chiara: To love somebody does not mean sentimentalism. To love somebody means to do to others what we would like others to do to us, and this is the Gospel. If, for example, I have a suffering, I want to be consoled; if I have a doubt I want someone to give me certainty. In the same way, if I were ignorant I would want someone to teach me; if I lacked clothes I would want someone to bring me clothes; if I were ill I would like someone to come and see me; if I were hungry or thirsty I would like someone to bring me food and drink. ( ... ) Video in italian Transcription

Rome, 1977 Asceticism and mysticism as new way of life: the focolare The Focolare centres are at the heart of the Movement you founded. What is a Focolare? A Focolare is a modern community made up of a small number of people who live in the midst of the world and who do not distinguish themselves from others in the way they dress and they work. But they have left the world, their countries, their families, their careers, to give themselves to the cause of unity in the world. The Focolare is also open to married people if they feel within themselves a desire for a total commitment. They are asked to be spiritually detached from all things even if they remain in their family.The life of the Focolare is guided by a rule which sprang from life and can be applied to all circumstances. But the norm of norms, the basis of our life, is the constant, mutual charity that must always circulate among the members of the Movement. This