Fall 2024
Dear Friends,
The Pharisees and Sadducees came and, to test him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He said to them in reply, “In the evening you say, ‘Tomorrow will be fair, for the sky is red’; and, in the morning, ‘Today will be stormy, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to judge the appearance of the sky, but you cannot judge the signs of the times.” (Mt. 16: 1–4)
In this passage from Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and Sadducees, who demand a sign from Him. He responds by highlighting their ability to interpret weather signs but their failure to discern the spiritual signs of the times. This passage invites us to reflect on the importance of being aware of what is happening around us from the perspective of our faith.
St. John Baptist de La Salle urged the Brothers to have the “eyes of faith” – to see things as God would see them. But the key part of De La Salle’s interpretation of this passage was that once we see with the eyes of faith, we must respond with an ardent zeal for the care and salvation of the young. Faith & Zeal is how the Brothers and Lasallian partners try to take the Lord’s exhortation to “judge the signs of the times” to heart.
Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for their narrow focus on miraculous signs, urging them to look deeper into the meaning of His presence among them. Jesus was clear in his concern for the poor and marginalized, especially widows, orphans, and strangers in the land. These groups represented those most vulnerable to the whims of society.
In this issue of Lasallian Notes, you will read about a number of examples of the Spirit of Faith and Zeal at work in our District as we continue to “judge the signs of the times” and respond to this invitation.
Jesus implies that the true signs of the times are not merely external events or wonders but the transformative power of God at work in the world. Quality Catholic education is one such example of God’s transformative power. La Salle Academy in New York City and La Salle School in Albany have been responding to the times since the middle of the 18th century.
This year we have launched a new ministry by opening a school for the children of migrant workers in Homestead, Florida. This new endeavor brings the best of our Lasallian tradition to a community in need of a school centered on Jesus and his Gospel.
God delights when individuals and communities take up the Gospel challenge to judge the signs of the times and respond with courage and generosity. Your continued support helps enable our Community to continue to be faithful to this mandate. Thank you!
Live Jesus in our hearts! Forever!
Respectfully,
Br. Robert Schaefer, FSC
Provincial/Visitor
rschaefer@fscdena.org
