Voices of Change
Join us on the CAFOD podcast as we celebrate the voices that inspire hope and positive change.
Maria runs an art therapy session for children at a safe place set up by Caritas Ukraine.
“The Lord has given me a disciple’s tongue. So that I may know how to reply to the wearied he provides me with speech. Each morning he wakes me to hear, to listen like a disciple. ”
This passage from Isaiah gives us an image of discipleship which is framed both by finding the right words and being willing to listen.
In a world today that is filled with opinions shared so loudly by so many, taking this time to listen is really important. Listening to God and what he calls us to do, as well as listening to others so that we may understand their point of view.
In this way, we may be better at finding the right thing to say in someone’s moment of need.
Maria is a social worker in Ukraine. She runs art therapy sessions for children fleeing the conflict. A group of children arrived from an orphanage in the Donetsk region. The children were cold, frightened and very reserved. They didn’t want to make physical contact or even speak to give their name and age.
“We try to play with them, paint together, just create safe space and make contact,” says Maria. Over time, the children gradually start to confront what they have been through, open up about how they feel, and in this way begin the healing process.
“Many children start painting with black paint, really scary things,” Maria says. “But then they start to add other colours.”
Let us take the time then to listen to others. To be alongside them in their pain and to comfort them as best we can.
Prayer
Lord, help us to listen to you and to one another. Fill us with understanding and love and speak through us as we seek to bring comfort to others. Amen.
Act
Take the time to listen to others’ experiences with the CAFOD podcast, Voices of Change.