Testimony of faith. As with the family

“You knew, Laurence, that there have been several big bangs in the history of the universe?” »I will never forget this question of Michel (1), a man living in the street, and the astonishing exchange which followed during this evening” Solidarity winter “. Since 2018, my parish (2) has welcomed four homeless men every evening in winter, for a fraternal meeting with four parishioners. People welcomed and volunteers dine and spend the evening together. Two volunteers stay sleeping until breakfast.

Arrested by the many people in precariousness crossed in my city, I had long wanted to participate in this approach. Teacher of physics in high school, I took advantage of my leave to take the plunge. The first evening, I started to prepare for dinner: a little embarrassed, I did not know how to join these strangers on the street with often broken stories. The conversation was looking for. It was then that two of them began to speak of astrophysics. The exchange has transformed. What amusement to discover their passion, their scientific knowledge and their ability to embark on an unexpected journey! I was speechless. I would never have imagined that they could know as much. When I got home, I smiled: these men had made me make a hell of a side of my representations!

The following week, I arrived relaxed. After dinner (gratin, crumble) and dishes, a parishioner offered a board game. The good idea! In bursts of laughter, without any competitive spirit, everyone tried to find the best strategy to help the other win. The evening was warm and light, imbued with the childhood spirit. I felt like with the family, with brothers and sisters in humanity, from different backgrounds. This simple and bright moment had a flavor of eternity for me.

These two evenings filled me with joy and fed my hope. Happy to have woven links with other parishioners, I have the feeling of having tasted the good news of Christmas: “Peace on earth to men of good will!” Yes, peace happens when everyone wants the joy of the other. I gave thanks to the Lord, who was waiting for me there.

(1) The first name has been changed.

(2) The “Solidarity Winter” initiative was launched by the Diocese of Paris.