From tomorrow's first reading: The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing."
"Solidarity with the people of today, attention to the appeals from the Church, . . . and fidelity to the specific intentions of the Founder -- all clearly indicate to us that it is the poor to whom we are sent by preference." (The Brother of the Christian Schools Today: A Declaration, 28.1)
"The vision of the reign of God’s kingdom still has its time, it presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint. The vision for our Institute in the 21st century has its time. The seeds are already present in so many small and different ways. Look around you. The Lasallian mission is being renewed." (Br. Robert Schieler, FSC, Superior General, Pastoral Letter to the Brothers, Christmas 2014)
Today I write from Saturday morning study hall, but I have had occasion to go to the library and the main office to find a few supplies, or pick up printing for some of the study hall students. In taking these little walks, I have had the chance to talk with some of the eighth graders in for interviews and their families, and see the looks on their faces as they sit waiting for interviews or posing with Brother Martin for their file photo. What has impressed me the most is that I do not see nervousness or anxiety. I see hope. A hope for a future beyond what their current academic and economic circumstances can offer. A hope that they will hear "Entren, santos peregrinos", acknowledging their need for a place to stop for a time and have their dignity as God's children recognized, in a time and culture where this does not always happen. A hope that, in receiving the love, truth, and beauty of God in what we teach and live, they will see better the love of God for them in their own lives.
In what you do every day, you are the water and light of God, bringing the desert to bloom, opening the eyes of the blind, inspiring the lame to leap with joy. It is your water and light that bring to fruit the seeds of the Lasallian mission and the Kingdom of God. Rejoice that, in your vocation as educator, you are privileged to have been sent for these young people - the ones here, and the ones to come.
Look around you, and live, Jesus, in your hearts!