Introduction to the Meditations for the Time of Retreat

Summary

St. John Baptist de La Salle's 'Sixteen Meditations for the Time of Retreat' are reflections designed for the Brothers of the Christian Schools during their annual retreat. Written to reconnect them with their spiritual identity, these meditations emphasize the duties of Christian educators. Though initially unpublished, they were later appreciated for their deep insights into the teaching profession and spiritual renewal. Drawing heavily from Scripture, particularly St. Paul’s writings, these meditations invite educators to reflect on their life's purpose and the spiritual impact of their work, making them timeless resources for Lasallian educators.

Takeaways

• 📜 St. John Baptist de La Salle's 'Sixteen Meditations for the Time of Retreat' were written for the Brothers during their annual eight-day retreat to reflect on their spiritual identity and mission.
• 📖 These 16 meditations are part of a larger collection of 208 meditations De La Salle wrote in his later years, often based on his spiritual talks.
• 🧑‍🏫 The meditations focus on the spirituality, professional work, and community life of the Brothers, encouraging them to apply the teachings to their own lives.
• 📅 The meditations were not originally intended for public publication but were first published in 1730, over 10 years after De La Salle's death.
• 👨‍🎓 The first edition highlighted the importance of these meditations for those involved in the Christian education of youth, especially during the Brothers' vacation retreat.
• 📚 De La Salle's writings helped teachers appreciate the importance of their profession and the need for spiritual renewal in fulfilling their duties with fidelity.
• 🔍 These meditations went unappreciated for much of the Institute's history until after Vatican II, when they were rediscovered and deeply studied.
• ✍️ De La Salle drew from various educational reforms and the writings of St. Paul to compose these meditations, making scripture a key foundation.
• 🙏 The simplicity and clarity of De La Salle's language in these meditations offer a reflection on the daily life and spiritual purpose of a Brother's work.
• 💡 Today, these meditations serve as an inspiration for all Lasallian educators, encouraging them to reflect on their personal and professional lives in relation to God's saving action.

Q & A

What are St. John Baptist de la Salle's 'Sixteen Meditations for the Time of Retreat'?

They are a collection of 16 reflections written for the Brothers of the Christian Schools to help them reflect on their way of life, reconnect with their spiritual identity, and better understand their mission before God during their annual eight-day retreat.

How do these meditations differ from the rest of De La Salle's works?

These 16 meditations stand out because of their profound character and content. They are part of a larger collection of 208 meditations developed by De La Salle, but these particular ones are especially significant due to their depth and direct questions for personal reflection.

What was the intended audience for De La Salle's meditations?

The meditations were originally written for the Brothers of the Christian Schools, but after their publication in 1730, they were recommended for all educators involved in the Christian education of youth.

What is the structure of each meditation?

Each meditation consists of three parts and concludes with direct questions meant to apply the content to a person's own life, encouraging personal reflection and connection to their spiritual duties.

Why did the meditations become more appreciated after Vatican II?

After Vatican II, which called for a renewal of religious orders based on their founders' original spirit, De La Salle's meditations were rediscovered, studied, and appreciated for their relevance and depth in the context of modern spirituality.

What was De La Salle’s source of inspiration for the meditations?

Scripture, particularly the writings of St. Paul, was a principal source of inspiration for De La Salle. The meditations frequently cite St. Paul's works, indicating that De La Salle worked closely with the New Testament when composing his reflections.

What was the purpose of these meditations for the Brothers of the Christian Schools?

The meditations were meant to stimulate prayer and meditation, encouraging the Brothers to reflect on their purpose, work, and daily life in the service of their students, as well as to reconnect with their spiritual calling.

How did De La Salle incorporate the writings of others into his meditations?

De La Salle consulted various writings and resources available to him, including those from reformers of schooling and teacher training, combining them with his deep knowledge of Scripture and theology to create a coherent spiritual guide for educators.

Why are the meditations relevant to modern Lasallian educators?

The meditations continue to resonate with modern Lasallian educators because they reflect on the spiritual and professional responsibilities of educators, helping them recognize God’s presence in their work and daily lives, just as De La Salle intended for the Brothers.

What does Brother Miguel Campos say about the meditations?

Brother Miguel Campos highlights that De La Salle's meditations evoke the movement of the Spirit of God, guiding educators to recognize the divine action in their lives and work, which leads them to reflect on how their lives align with God's saving plan for humanity.