Bulletin 4.28.24

Those who are unhappy have no need for anything in this world but people capable of giving them their attention. The capacity to give one’s attention to a sufferer is a very rare and difficult thing; it is almost a miracle; it is a miracle. Nearly all those who think they have this capacity do not possess it. Warmth of heart, impulsiveness, pity are not enough.

The love of our neighbor in all its fullness simply means being able to say to him: “What are you going through?” It is a recognition that the sufferer exists, not only as a unit in a collection, or a specimen from the social category labeled “unfortunate,” but as a man, exactly like us, who was one day stamped with a special mark by affliction. For this reason it is enough, but it is indispensable, to know how to look at him in a certain way. 

This way of looking is first of all attentive. The soul empties itself of all its own contents in order to receive into itself the being it is looking at, just as he is, in all his truth. 

Only he who is capable of attention can do this. 

– Simone Weil, “Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies with a View to the Love of God” (in Waiting for God, 1951)

The First Letter of St. Peter 2:4-7

And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

For this is contained in Scripture:

"Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, 

   And he who believes in Him shall not be disappointed."

This precious value, then, is for you who believe. But for those who disbelieve, "The stone which the builders rejected, This became the very corner stone."

(Prayer)