-Some Reflections on Valentines day 2008…
Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way.
What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.
Fall in love, stay in love and it will decide everything. (Attributed to Pedro Arrupe, S.J. (1907-1991) Superior General of the Society of Jesus 1961-1984)
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John Baptist de La Salle knew that the perception of the teachers by their students would dictate how they would behave and act and relate with them. De La Salle urges the teachers to “take much more care of the young entrusted to you than if they were the children of a king.” Such a stance and conviction is all the more remarkable, given the perspective of 18th Century French society.
“Act with goodness and wisdom
in the care of those who are entrusted to you.”
They “are under your guidance
And are your disciples.
They are the living images of Jesus Christ.”
The teachers are urged to grow in awareness of living in God’s presence,
Knowing that the more an individual does “live in God’s presence,” the more likely that person will reflect the attitude and words and actions of Jesus.
“In his presence, we are bound to love.”
(from the Writings of the Founder)
A university class of sociology students were assigned to do a survey of 200 young boys in a Baltimore slum and to project their likely future: in every case the students reported, “he hasn’t got a chance.” Twenty-five years later, another class decided to do a follow-up study of the 180 men who still lived locally; they found, to their amazement, that 176 of them had achieved significant success as lawyers, doctors, businessmen, and in other careers.
When asked to account for their success, so many of them said, “There was this teacher…” and all talked about the same one. Since she was still alive, the researchers sought her out to ask what magic formula she used to give hope to these young men slotted for failure. He response was, “It was really very simple. I loved those boys. (Unknown)
Lord, our God,
Enlighten us so that we may “really see”.
Inspire us to bless others
With understanding, appreciation and love.
Lead us to confirm for your people
The dignity that arises
From being made in Your image and likeness,
And from being called to follow Jesus, Your son.
Pour out on us Your Spirit
That we may be enabled to share Your vision
In our world which You love so much. Amen. (Ronald Rolheiser, OMI)
Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way.
What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.
Fall in love, stay in love and it will decide everything. (Attributed to Pedro Arrupe, S.J. (1907-1991) Superior General of the Society of Jesus 1961-1984)
________________________________________________________________________
John Baptist de La Salle knew that the perception of the teachers by their students would dictate how they would behave and act and relate with them. De La Salle urges the teachers to “take much more care of the young entrusted to you than if they were the children of a king.” Such a stance and conviction is all the more remarkable, given the perspective of 18th Century French society.
“Act with goodness and wisdom
in the care of those who are entrusted to you.”
They “are under your guidance
And are your disciples.
They are the living images of Jesus Christ.”
The teachers are urged to grow in awareness of living in God’s presence,
Knowing that the more an individual does “live in God’s presence,” the more likely that person will reflect the attitude and words and actions of Jesus.
“In his presence, we are bound to love.”
(from the Writings of the Founder)
A university class of sociology students were assigned to do a survey of 200 young boys in a Baltimore slum and to project their likely future: in every case the students reported, “he hasn’t got a chance.” Twenty-five years later, another class decided to do a follow-up study of the 180 men who still lived locally; they found, to their amazement, that 176 of them had achieved significant success as lawyers, doctors, businessmen, and in other careers.
When asked to account for their success, so many of them said, “There was this teacher…” and all talked about the same one. Since she was still alive, the researchers sought her out to ask what magic formula she used to give hope to these young men slotted for failure. He response was, “It was really very simple. I loved those boys. (Unknown)
Lord, our God,
Enlighten us so that we may “really see”.
Inspire us to bless others
With understanding, appreciation and love.
Lead us to confirm for your people
The dignity that arises
From being made in Your image and likeness,
And from being called to follow Jesus, Your son.
Pour out on us Your Spirit
That we may be enabled to share Your vision
In our world which You love so much. Amen. (Ronald Rolheiser, OMI)
1 comment:
First of all, I completely agree with the introduction to this blog;there are certain things that keep humans running from day to day. I think that we all have something (someone) special that gives us the strength to wake up everyday.
Secondly, I agree with the section on St. John Baptist de LaSalle. Teachers play a huge role in a student's life. Teachers set an example for their pupils. But whom do the teachers turn to for an example? The answer of course is St. John Baptist de LaSalle!
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