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Leader: Let us remember

All: That we are in the Holy Presence of God.

(Short Pause)

Reading De La Salle's Meditations for the Time of Retreat

God diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge throughout the world by human ministers. Just as He commanded light to shine out of darkness, so He also kindles a light in the hearts of those whom He has called to announce His word to youth, to enlighten them by making the glory of God known to them.

This is why you must glory in your ministry and keep trying to save some of your students. According to the expression of St. Paul, God has made you His ministers in order to reconcile others to Him. He has entrusted to you the message of reconciliation for youth.

(Short Pause)

Response Psalm 66

Left: O God, be gracious and bless us

and let your face shed its light upon us.

All: Let the peoples praise you, O God

let all the peoples praise you.

Left: Let the nations be glad and exult

for you rule the world with justice.

All: Let the peoples praise you, O God

let all the peoples praise you.

for God, our God, has blessed us.

till the ends of the earth revere him.

Right: With fairness you rule the peoples

you guide the nations on earth.

let all the peoples praise you.

and all nations learn your saving help.

It was my first visit to the marvelous art treasures of Florence in Italy. I was one of a crowd of tourists, but my attention was caught by the sight of a tall, elegant figure, making her way down a narrow, shadowy street. I wondered if she might be going for a dinner appointment, or if she had a very important job in the city.

My thoughts were disturbed by the noise of a heavy dustcart. And I realized that this beautiful lady - who impressed me with her dignity in the way she looked and the way she walked - was, in fact, a "dustbin lady," a street-sweeper, a cleaner. Her care for her appearance revealed a great pride in herself. Her self-

And I knew that Jesus would have noticed and approved of my cleaning lady. He had a way of building up each individual. Amidst the splendors of the Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus looked at the generosity and goodness of one poor widow, and gave her his full attention; she had offered to others the very best that she had.

Schools are to help young people develop a true awareness and knowledge of themselves, and a proper appreciation of their own talents and abilities, in whatever field. I did not need to know of the examination results or university successes of the school of this dustbin lady. One glance at her told me that her parents and her teachers had performed their duty well.

(Short Pause)

Reader 1: Give us, Lord God, a vision of our world

as your love would make it:

• a world where the weak are protected,

and none go hungry or poor;

• a world where the benefits of civilized life are shared,

and everyone can enjoy them

All: Let the peoples praise you, O God

let all the peoples praise you.

Reader 2: Let your kingdom come

which abolishes all that destroys life in the world:

your kingdom which eradicates within people

all that makes them live less than humanly.

All: Let the peoples praise you, O God

let all the peoples praise you.

Reader 3: Let your kingdom come:

your kingdom which is freedom and love,

which is righteousness and life,

which is truth and justice.

All: Let the peoples praise you, O God

let all the peoples praise you.

Leader: Saint John Baptist de La Salle

All: Pray for us.

Leader: Live Jesus in our hearts.

All: Forever.

For reflection: "The difference between a lady and a flower-girl is not how she behaves, but how she's treated. I shall always be a flower-girl to Professor Higgins, because he always treats me as a flower-girl, and always will; but I know I can be a lady to you, because you will always treat me as a lady, and always will. ("Pygmalion" by G.B. Shaw)