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Mickey Mouse

Sometimes we can effectively communicate with a few words or even one word can be enough.  During a diocesan summer camp in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), “Mickey Mouse” were the only words used by an instructor and a young girl, Bertina,  with a serious mental disability as she was distracted from biting the instructor’s wrist and looked for approval.  “Mickey Mouse,”  “Mickey Mouse”!

Obviously in life, words are not enough.  They can be empty if they are not understood, lived or shared.  “Doing something” for others means more than the mere action; it is being in communion with them.

The Kingdom of God is filled with stories of bonds that tie people to one another.  The Kingdom is “there,” as the 2012 theme of the International CVS indicates. It is a place where people strip themselves of their pride, of their hypocrisy and live truthfully seeing the poor and needy on their horizon.

“Mickey Mouse” had many meanings for the young girl above—sometimes showing disapproval, other times showing joy, shock or friendship.  She felt appreciated and a part of the group.  The Kingdom is “there” when  we give of ourselves, opening new horizons, lighting hope in others.   It is as simple as the sardine can that the young girl, Bertina, played with;  we have to open our hearts.

The Kingdom is a part of our world and we have to search for it.  We cannot find it in our freedom, or only in our love of our brothers and sisters.  The Kingdom is “there” when we are open and humble as children following the Blessed Virgin’s guidance being our mother and teacher.  The Kingdom is “there” where we have been called to make the difference:  “Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse.

Luciano Ruga
da "Editoriale" - Rivista "L'Ancora" n. 10 - 2011