(The ninth reflection of a series in the Year of Paul)

This reflection I would like to be considered as flowing from the eighth in the series. De La Salle is now involved in explaining his insights into Zeal which flows from the exposition of his views on Faith. The Brother, so impelled by love of God and in faith, must inspire his students with patience, good judgment, a fully human and Christian morality, in such a way as contributes to the salvation of the young person. Looking over the list of practical modes of behaviour I would say that De La Salle ‘raises the bar' for the Brothers and for young people. This high vision inspires all his work. Compare the ideal he gives for the manners of a young man in "The Rules of Christian Decorum and Civility." He wishes for these young ones off the streets to behave as a cultured gentleman. (Although not mentioned in these Meditations, the ‘regular' subjects of a school are to be taught in all authenticity. It is the study of the inheritance of humanity which prepares the mind to be open to mystery, and to God.)

De La Salle lists the behaviors which must be removed. (Here, recall Article 5 of Introductory Remarks about Correction in "The Management of Christian Schools." There are five vices which not ordinarily be excused: 1) lying; 2) fighting; 3) impurity; 4) theft; 5) indecorum in church. In the Tenth Meditation he lists the following:

• an abhorrence for any impurity
• a repugnance for lack of reverence
• a detestation for stealing
• a detestation for lying
• a repugnance for disobedience
• a refusal of lack of respect for their parents
• a refusal of respect for their peers

John then goes into modes of "practicing all the good of which they are capable:"

• always speak the truth
• if trying to express themselves do so in few words
• to love their enemies
• to do good to those who do evil to us
• to love those who persecute us and speak unjustly against us
• avoid rendering evil for evil
• avoid rendering injury for injury
• avoid taking revenge

Having listed all these faults and hopes, John comes back to a theme which runs through all his works, and that is the example which the Brother should give to his students "let your example support your instruction." In this direction John refers to Paul: "Saint Paul, speaking to the Philippians, after teaching them different maxims, adds "Now concerning love of the brothers and the sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you are known in this regard throughout Macedonia. We urge you to do so more and more" (Phil 4.9-10) John Baptist de La Salle here refers to the life of Jesus, who began "to do and to teach" (Acts 1.1) and who, after washing his disciples feet said "do as I have done to you" (John 13.15) De La Salle concludes this meditation with the statements that instruction will only be perfect with the example of your practice. Then a very keen insight into children: "They are led more readily to do what they see done for them than what they hear told to them."

(In this essay I have listed the faults which the Brother, through vigilance, must work to remove from the way of the child to salvation, and the good actions which the Brother, again through vigilance, must cultivate in the child on the way to salvation. This listing is done to present these matters quite simply. In the next Reflection, there will be suggested analyses the inspiration behind De La Salle's writings.)

Brother James Loxham, FSC