For many years of my life I felt pulled among: the Lasallian mission – that is, all the “doing” for children and adults; and the spiritual life – the “being” for God; and, community - the “being” for others. It was a form of tri-ism that often made me feel guilty. These three tensions are being brought together today by the best minds of the De La Salle Christian Brothers in a special two week program in Roma. Their answer to this tension and the direction of the Brothers is set – association for the educational service of the poor.
This vow is the basic expression of the consecration of the Brother for the glory of God. By means of it he lives the other vows. It is the “axis of understanding” the identity of the Brother. This vow is totally aimed at the mission of service to the poor. And finally it is all about being together in all kinds of communities and in association for God and the poor. This one concept can unify our whole life today just as it did for De La Salle. Go for it.
Ed Phelan, CIL
phelane@gmail.com
It has been great to follow all of you these past few weeks, sharing in your journey and coming to better understand association and the mission through your reflections. Best wishes for a safe journey home. I believe I speak on behalf of the District team when I say that we look forward to hearing in more detail about CIL and the next steps of spreading your new knowledge and understanding to all Lasallians in the District of Eastern North America and beyond.
ReplyDeletePhil D.