Offenses

Offenses

Offenses are like unexpected potholes on the road of life. If you hit them without preparation, the shock can throw you off balance, leave you bruised, or even damage your spirit. But when you cultivate inner shock absorbers which are qualities like patience, forgiveness, self-awareness, humility and a good sense of humour, the impact changes. Instead of feeling shattered by harsh words, unjust treatment, or careless actions, you learn to bend without breaking, to absorb the strike and let it pass through you rather than remain within you. These shock absorbers don’t make the road smoother; they make you steadier, more resilient, more capable of keeping your direction despite the bumps. And the more you strengthen them, the freer you become, because no offense, no matter how sharp or deliberate, can rob you of your peace unless you give it permission. In this way, every offense becomes less a wound and more a test that reveals the quiet strength you already carry.

Don Giorgio

St. Joseph’s silence

St. Joseph’s silence

Thoughts inspired by St. Joseph…To be silent and eloquent at the same time is to live in the fullness of both presence and expression. Silence is not merely the absence of speech; it is the quiet receptivity that allows one to grasp the whole picture, to perceive reality in its depth without distortion. It is the wisdom of listening, of waiting, of allowing truth to unfold beyond the limitations of words. Yet true eloquence is not opposed to this silence—it is born from it. It is the ability to express what has been deeply understood, to give voice to what one has interiorly embraced. Eloquence is the art of being fully present, of becoming part of the whole picture rather than standing apart from it. In this way, silence and eloquence are not opposites, but two dimensions of a single reality: the art of truly being.

Don Giorgio

St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas

Today is the Feast of St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra, in Lycia (now part of Turkey). Still in many countries, this feast brings gifts to the children. St. Nicholas, known for his secret acts of kindness and his care for the vulnerable, inspires us to think about the deeper meaning of giving—not just material gifts but gifts of ourselves. When you think more about sharing and less about receiving you start becoming a gift. By focusing on sharing rather than receiving, we shift our perspective to one of abundance and gratitude. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, has the potential to ripple outward and touch lives in ways we may not even realize. To become a gift is to embody the spirit of giving in every interaction and relationship. It’s about showing up with love, understanding, and a willingness to contribute to others’ well-being. This could mean lending a listening ear, offering a helping hand, or simply being present in someone’s moment of need. These small acts, when rooted in genuine care, often mean more than any material gift. This mindset aligns with the idea that giving transforms both the giver and the recipient. When we focus on what we can give rather than what we can receive, we nurture connections and create a sense of shared humanity. It’s a cycle of kindness that builds relationships and strengthens bonds. Give, and give without measure, you become more what you are!

Don Giorgio

The kingship of Jesus

The kingship of Jesus

The kingship of Jesus gives us a totally different concept of power. Power to be powerless to serve. In human terms, power often signifies dominance, control, and the ability to impose one’s will. But Jesus reveals a power that is paradoxical: the power to become powerless in order to serve others. This is not a relinquishment of strength but a deliberate act of love, humility, and self-sacrifice. In Jesus’ model of kingship, power is no longer about authority over others but about the capacity to lift others up. It is the strength to kneel and wash feet, the courage to embrace the marginalized, and the willingness to suffer for the sake of love and justice. This servant kingship invites us into a new understanding of greatness—not as achieving status or accumulating influence but as laying down one’s life for others. Jesus’ example empowers us to reimagine our own relationships with power. It challenges us to view influence not as a privilege to exploit but as an opportunity to serve. This concept transforms leadership into an act of stewardship, where power is directed outward to bless, heal, and uplift. In embracing this model, we find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, discovering that true power is love expressed through service. Power is the power to serve.

Don Giorgio

Our vocation

Our vocation

It’s important to find out what we are. Only an encounter with God the Infinite you can discover who truly are! Because all our other encounters in our way with others, confine us to the schemes and frameworks of the one whom we meet. But with the Infinite, there are no schemes and frameworks, He is infinite, and He puts no limits in our unfolding into our truth. Only before the Infinite I can find the truth about myself. Encounters with the infinite lead us to confront the depths of our own being and understand our place in the grand scheme of existence. In these encounters, there’s a sense of liberation from the constraints of societal norms and personal limitations, allowing for a more authentic exploration of one’s truth. It’s transcending the limitations of our finite existence. It transcends our individual identity and fosters a profound sense of interconnectedness with the whole universe and all living beings. This interconnectedness is the foundation of compassion, empathy, and love. This liberation which gives us the glimpse of the truth about ourselves is discovery of our vocation.

Don Giorgio

Stop pretending!

Stop pretending!

Stop pretending! We pretend to know, we pretend to be unhurt, we pretend that everything is fine…like this list goes on. But pretention is not good. It puts you in a situation where you will not be part of it. At the same time, you will be responsible for the situation. Often it comes as a coping mechanism a way to protect ourselves from immediate stress or to navigate social situations more smoothly. The fear of vulnerability and the potential for rejection or judgment often compels us to hide behind a mask. . It’s a complex balance, as society often expects a certain level of pretense in professional and social contexts, yet yearns for authenticity at a deeper, more human level. Navigating this requires self-awareness and courage. It involves recognizing when we’re pretending and asking ourselves why. Is it for self-preservation, to conform to societal expectations, or something else? Understanding the reasons behind our actions can be the first step towards choosing authenticity when it truly matters. It might not be easy or comfortable, but living authentically can lead to a more fulfilling and connected life.

Don Giorgio