Entering into the Assembly: “The Risen Lord is the Friend who goes before us”.
The Assembly opened with a Eucharist in the rain-soaked courtyard. It was an opportunity to rediscover the Friend who goes before us, to respond to His invitation. A gentle song drew the participants, who gradually settled in. The first journey is over. At last, everyone is together again, and the reason for which they came is now upon us. Resonates timidly, then more and more firmly, the voice of the group resounds in a song that is very difficult to say and sing in today’s world. Yet a certain gentleness sets in, a certain curiosity, which gradually becomes a thirst for God.
“Que rien ne te trouble, que rien ne t’effraie, qui a Dieu ne manque de rien. Nada te turbe, nada te espante, quien a Dios tiene nada le falta. Nothing troubles you, nothing scares you, who God has nothing is missing.
The national assistant of CLC France presided over the Assembly, encouraging us to “open up paths of hope in the footsteps of the Risen Lord”. Throughout the Mass, several languages will be written, spoken and listened to by companions who are very different, but united by a deep, personal and common faith. How can we believe in such a miracle? There’s no need to ask yourself this question, just let yourself be carried along: “Let nothing trouble you, let nothing frighten you, he who has God lacks nothing…”.
The welcoming of communities whose delegates were unable to attend in person was a special moment: the various flags were presented as offerings, and joined in the prayer. The texts of the day were proclaimed in several unexpected languages, opening up new horizons. Hong Kong and Kenya, Taizé, “Ubi Caritas, Deus ibi est”. The litany of saints from every continent draws us in: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Chiquinquira, San Pedro Calungsod, Saint Makarius. Please pray for us. The Risen Lord is the friend who goes before us, and that’s a blessing.