As part of the process of creating a declaration of understanding Lasallian association today this was my personal reflection and contribution to the discussion in my small, immediate group.
UNDERSTANDING AND LIVING LASALLIAN ASSOCIATION TODAY
Personal Reflection: Br. Ray Blixt fsc
It is with great respect, admiration and gratitude that I am inspired by the Lasallian Founding Story. The casting of John Baptist De La Salle not as an educator but as a transformational agent and the simplicity and trails of the founding brothers and the heroic stance taken by the founder and his first brothers through the vow of 1691 and 1694 helps me to see our founding story with new eyes and heart. We Lasallians would not be here today if it were not for this heroism. Millions of young people, particular the most vulnerable, would not have been served.
For me however, the transition, because of need and circumstances, from the founding charismatic community to society and ultimately to Institute (as presented to us by Br. Miguel) creates a problematic concern resulting in unfortunate connection to and influence by the hierarchical and institutional Church.
At the same time I recognize also that historical realities and the needs of our youth today are radically different and that the need for the Lasallian mission is greater than ever. So while the founding story and the traditions we cherish with that story are inspirational, we must move from tradition to a new response to the needs of our century if our precious heritage and Lasallian mission is to continue.
We have been reminded that we are in a transitional period toward the creation of a new response, a new vision, a transformation of our understanding and living of Lasallian Association today for the sake of our Mission. It is my belief that the period of transition is over. It is time for action. We are being called to a Re-Founding of the Lasallian charism and Mission. We need not bind ourselves to past history. We need a new Heroic Vow embraced by Lasallians everywhere committed to the service of the Least, the Last, the Lost. We need, like our first brothers, a Heroic Vow to meet the challenges and opportunities of today that will guarantee the future of our precious Lasallian Mission. We need to move beyond the limitations of Institute to the creation of a prophetic, charismatic , inclusive Lasallian community and family.
Br Alvaro boldy stated in his reflections with us that “we were born for the poor.” That was the founding passion and the common purpose of our founder and his brothers. As Lasallians today we are being called to be “manufacturers of hope” for those among us that are most in need. We need to be ambassadors for inclusion respecting all cultures, races, religious traditions. We need to be animators of the Lasallian Mission and advocates for the rights and needs of children. We need to courageously move from tradition, through and beyond transition for the transformation of who we are individually and collectively as a Lasallian Family. We need to affirm and live out the reality that it is only Together and By Association that what we have been called to be and to do will bear fruit.
This transformation of mind and heart calls us to a new vision for Lasallian formation that will reach the global Lasallian community and a new vision of what it means to be and to live Association for the Mission. Formation is and must be the foundation upon which the future of the Lasallian Mission will be guaranteed.
I am reminded of the quote from Karl Rahner that Br Miguel began his presentation as a fitting conclusion to this reflection:
“The real future is the one that comes in its own time and often leaves our predictions and plans in shreds. What is perhaps most difficult as a way of living in preparation for the real future is letting go of something beautiful which we ourselves may have helped to create. It must be relinquished not because it has lost its beauty, but because its time has passed and some other new beauty is being made.”
We Lasallians (and especially we CIL-ITES) are being called to create this new beauty!
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