“Out beyond ideas of right and wrong, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”
- Rumi, Sufi Mystic
It was fitting that Brother Charles Kitson quoted this from Circular #461 toward the beginning of his presentation this morning. Brother Charles broke down for us the process of how the Circular was written, provided historical perspective, and challenged us with critical issues surrounding the Circular.
In the last few days we have been challenged with serious questions from some of our presenters. How will we be "transformational agents for mission?" How will we "breathe life into old bones?" How will we "live out our Lasallian vocation, associated with others, for mission?" Part of me would like answers to all the questions. Part of me wants everything to be cut and dry, easily explained, and fit into a neat little package of Association that I can store conveniently in the overhead space on my plane ride home. But, I am learning that Association is a process.
The gift has been realizing that there is not one answer. The gift has been in listening to others in the community of CIL. We need to celebrate the diversity of Association for mission and share in the connectedness of our journeys. A member of my language group mentioned that Lasallians she works with, “Fall in love with the Founder’s story.” I thought this was a beautiful way of expressing one way we enter into Association for mission. Haven’t we all fallen in love with the story? One response to this is our call to live Association for mission today, imagine possibilities, and be bold enough transform Lasallian mission for the future.
On a lighter note: Highlight of the day, aside from discussion of Association and dinner with DENA delegates: I did not have to mime/explain, “I’ve broken the washing machine and soapy water is flooding the room,” in Italian to anyone today. Successfully wash clothes without flooding Motherhouse: check.
Thanks,
Heather
Many of us are tempted to seek answers so that we feel safe, assured, and secure. However, you are right when you talk about journey and dream and possibilities. I think that is what makes the Founder so easy to love--he journeyed and dreamt and imagined possibilities. All with no assurance!! That's faith.
ReplyDeleteI'm willing to continue the journey and let the Spirit guide us.
The beauty is in the journey. This is a truly difficult concept for us in the instant gratification electronic world we live in! I love the idea of people "Falling in love with the Founder's story".
ReplyDeleteThank you for the work all of you are doing and I'm sure the people sharing community with you thank you for not breaking the washing machine.