CIL Day 4 -- Br. Ray Blixt

CIL 2010:  DAY 4

UNDERSTANDING AND LIVING LASALLIAN ASSOCIATION TODAY

The entire day was spent in conversations, deliberations and summations in our small groups (by Language) followed by a presentation by each of the small groups to the entire participant group.

Common and converging issues and questions seem to be emerging and participants seem anxious to move forward from process to action. 

Some of the common themes that were articulated centered on how and when to move from tradition to transformation.  Why is it so difficult to see current realities that need to be changed and transformed?  We need to see with new eyes (lenses) and build upon the rich cultural and religious diversity of our Lasallian Family.  We need to be seers and manufacturers of hope for all who have been entrusted to our care and for all who have the privilege to share with us our Lasallian Mission.

Creative formation for the future of the Lasallian Mission seems to also be an emerging theme.

TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES...the place you walk on is holy ground

This was the inspiration for our prayer service last evening. My first thoughts took me to the hundreds of times in my life I walked on the beach and always felt a calmness like no other. An image of my feet slowly sinking deeper into the sand as I stood at the waters edge now creates a new image of deepening faith and committment to the mission.
Being blessed to be in the presence of all of the others who share the committment here is an awesome experience. Now it is as if I can look down the beach and see 150 foot steps walking in the sand, heading in the same direction.
Brother Louis De Thomasis, spoke of seeing the present, saying the now is not okay, and then transforming the future.
I'm sure I will need more time walking the waters edge to ponder this more deeply. And how fortunate I feel to have 150 foot steps making imprints as we walk together.