About the book:
St. John Baptist de La Salle wrote this book ‘for the use of all
persons who are employed in the education of the young'. The
16 Meditations go in pairs: the first is a reflection, while
the second is a practical application of the first. Though the
book is mainly meant for the Brothers for meditation during their
annual retreats, it is also an important resource for teachers
in the modern world. Much of the educational philosophy of St.
John Baptist de La Salle can be found here.
Extracts from the book:
Meditation 1: Light and Enlighten
“Now He lights a light in our hearts because He has called us to
spread His words to children, and to enlighten them by telling
them about God's glory. God, in His mercy, has picked you for
this work.”
Meditation 2: Good Example
“What you teach them (our students) will not be of any help to them unless
you live the right way yourself......This zeal will draw God's special graces
on your students, as well as on yourself.”
Meditation 3: Ambassadors
“When you teach children, you are Ambassadors God has sent
to them to represent Him and to tell them what He wants.........When
they see how you act, they
should know how Jesus would act.”
Meditation 4: Good Shepherds
“Jesus looks for the lost sheep, then puts it on his shoulders and brings it
back to the flock. You should act like Him, since you are sharing in His
work. Often ask Him to soften the hearts of those you are looking after.”
Meditation 5: Guardian Angels
“God calls us to be teachers. This makes us the Guardian Angels
of our pupils. Like visible angels, you teach more by what you
do than what you say.”
Meditation 6: Real Life
“You must show them how to bring your teaching into the way they
live. If we can do this, the good effect of our teaching will
last all through their lives.”
Meditation 7: Moral Vision
“We work with God to help our pupils become His loving children, and later
to share in His kingdom in heaven.”
Meditation 8: Good Habits
“Help them to practise the good habits which are suitable for their age. It
doesn't matter how much faith they have, or how deep it is; if they are not
doing good actions, their faith is no use to them.”
Meditation 9: Noble Work
“Whenever you teach, remember this is God's work you are sharing in. So do
it with love, truly and sincerely on fire to do well.”
Meditation 10: Potential for Good
“Get rid of sin in ourselves and help those we teach to avoid it. When you
see them doing wrong, do all you can to help them do better. It isn't enough
just to stop your students doing what is wrong. Lead them to do all the good
they can.”
Meditation 11: Gentleness and Prudence
“Do everything you can to help your pupils feel the glorious liberty of the
children of God, which He won for them. You need two special virtues to help
you to do this: the first is gentleness and patience; the other is prudence
in pointing out their errors.”
Meditation 12: Discipline
“When you discipline your pupils, do so in a way that will help
them to improve. Human beings, even children, have the right
to be treated with dignity. ”
Meditation 13: Nourishing Plants
“You are co-workers with God in His work and He uses you to work for Him in
the garden of your children's souls.”
Meditation 14: The Three Virtues
“The first quality a teacher needs is zeal, or a great desire, for teaching.
The second is good behaviour, then serious self-control. These are the most
necessary virtues for a Christian teacher.
Meditation 15: Teacher Satisfaction
“When they (your pupils) grow up, and you see them acting honourably and reverently,
doing good deeds and avoiding evil, you will find a very special satisfaction.”
Meditation 16: Children's Voices
“What a thrill of joy you will feel when you hear the voices of
all the children you have led, almost by the hand, into heaven!”
The translation of the book in controlled English can be found
under resources in the Hong Kong Lasallian Family website.
http://www.lasalle.org.hk
