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St. Thomas à Becket Foundation |
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making a
difference |
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| 18th
May, 2008 |
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| Thought: ‘Touch
another’s heart and make them feel valued today.’ |
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John
Baptist De La Salle was declared the Patron saint of teachers on the
15 May in 1950.
500 years ago, he encouraged teachers to look upon their students as
individuals, rather than as a group. He talked of people
needing to “touch hearts”.
“Touching hearts” is about acknowledging and relating with people
as individuals – helping each person feel that they are noticed and
matter, and are significant and special. A personal approach or
reaction can make all the difference to an individual, showing that
someone is “bothered enough” to care.
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Someone
today can be made to feel “worthwhile” if I call them by their name.
I can
show human warmth and concern today if I acknowledge individuals
with eye-contact, a nod, a smile, a word.
I can
“touch someone’s heart” if I set out to remember what the person
says or does. At another time I can repeat those personal details,
showing that someone cares enough about them to remember.
I can
build up people today if I help them experience success or meaning
in their lives, and feel good about themselves.
I can
help raise someone’s self-esteem today if I show that I respect and
appreciate that individual and bear in mind their own special
circumstances. |
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Someone
today can feel valued if I invite them to become part of
conversation, to become part of what is going on; setting out to
make sure people feel included rather than excluded.
I can
“touch hearts” today if I compliment individuals.
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Readings:
Galatians 4:4,5-6; 2 Corinthians 1:21 - 22; Ephesians 4: 3-6 |
Let us
Pray:
Loving
Lord, inspire us to bring out the best in others and “touch hearts”
by being welcoming and generous and always positive in attitude,
showing individuals that they matter and are important. May those
who are part of our lives this day treat me in the same way that we
treat them. Amen. |
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Father,
teach us to help others to appreciate their own worth. Enable us to
touch their hearts and empower us to reveal your love for them.
Inspire us to support and encourage and build others up. Help us to
follow Christ our Teacher, and be credible witnesses of your love.
Amen.
John
Baptist De La sale encouraged people to spend a few quiet seconds
every hour of the day, calling to mind that God is with them.
Throughout this week let’s reflect in silence for a moment that we
are in God’s Presence; the Presence of the Holy Trinity….and we pray
with the Church….
Lord
God, living light of eternal love, grant that always aglow with
charity, we amy love you above all else and our sisters and brothers
for your sake, with one and the selfsame love. We make this prayer
through Christ our Lord. Amen |
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Give us
perfect peace, Lord Jesus , so that we may delight in serving you
all the days of our life. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen
Spirit
of the Living God help each one of us to create a community of
loving hearts that touch others with justice and peace. Be with us
Lord in all our works of goodness and kindness and gentleness.
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