A smile… the magic key that opens hearts so that charity may enter. Father Louis-Marie Parent, O.M.I.

Reflection on Father Parent's thoughts:

The Smile

God created man by giving him several abilities. One of the most important is the ability to smile. When babies are very young, their parents encourage them to smile for the first time.  What a joy that is!

In the course of our lives, we need comforting smiles. Have you noticed that when we meet a walker, and they smile at us, it's a nice act of charity to return the favor?

If a visitor comes to your house and greets you with a smile, you're ready to give them a warm welcome, because a climate of trust has already been established. If you go to the doctor, his smile immediately puts you at ease. Wherever you go, if people don't smile at you, do them the favor of a nice smile, and you'll feel the tension melt away.

It's the same way you should respond to someone who is cold to you. Your smile will warm their heart; it's like a healing balm.

But be careful: in life we find that there are different ways of smiling:

- the affectionate smile that comforts
- the mocking smile that questions
- the inquisitive smile that makes you think
- the smirk that hurts
- the contemptuous smile that humiliates

Our response to all these signs, some of them negative, can give rise to different types of behavior that will put our charity to the test.

In moments of reconciliation and forgiveness, the smile is like a certainty that brings peace to our hearts.

At Mass, when the priest pronounces the words: ‘In the love of Christ, give one another peace’, there are smiles all round!

So, there are so many opportunities to spread smiles in mutual charity.

May the Holy Spirit guide us to be the best we can be.

Remember that one smile attracts another! Let's not spare them!

B. M.