Series of Reflections on Salesian Spirituality (4)

Loving Kindness


Loving Kindness permeates our way of living and dealing with the young. It is a reflection of the attitude of God. Loving Kindness urges us to be open and cordial, ready to make the first approach and to welcome other with unfailing kindness, respect and patience. In the dream of the 10 diamonds, the diamond of Charity calls for special attention. It is positioned over the heart of the august personage. Charity means, for Don Bosco, a constant attitude of sincere love for persons, treating each individual as God himself or His image; it means being one with Christ and living in him our sonship to the Father in an uninterrupted spirit of prayer; uniting ourselves with him in total dedication to our neighbour-our boys. It is here that we discover the heart of Don Bosco in its overflowing kindness. Loving Kindness opens the heart of the Salesian to spiritual fatherhood. This involves loving the young as one’s own children. Developing such an attitude is challenging. When loving kindness is exercised authentically, the young become aware of being loved and will respond to that love. 

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