lasallian thoughts

DLSU System President's New Year Message
Towards Genuine Conversionnnnversion

My dear Lasallians,

In the Book of Revelations we read: “Then I saw heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them [as their God]. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.”

The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I will make all things new.” Then he said, “Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.” (Rev. 21: 1-5)

As we begin the third millennium and the 21st century, my fervent prayer is for Jesus to truly live in our hearts and ignite the flame of genuine conversion. I pray that each Lasallian will receive the grace of repentance, healing, and reconciliation.

We need repentance, for all of us have contributed to the national crisis through our indifference, greed, and moral compromise. We have turned a deaf ear or a blind eye to the injustice and poverty around us, quite content to remain in our comfort zones and ivory towers. Consequently, we should not be surprised to find graft and corruption permeating our society. The sins of which the President is accused are mere reflections of our sins, and we must share in guilt. Thus, the need to repent.

I pray that the bitter wounds spawned by the impeachment trial may soon heal. The verdict must be credible and acceptable to the nation. Let us pray that the honorable senators render impartial justice.

For a poor country like ours, reconciliation and unity are indispensable if we are to survive in a globally competitive economy. I pray that God inspire and touch the hearts of our leaders to restore love, peace, and prosperity to our ravaged land.

A mystic once said, “The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within reach is joy, hidden in the angels’ wings. There is beauty and goodness all around us, if we could but see, and to see we have only to look. I beseech you, look.”

The greatest gift that Our Founder gave us is the Spirit of Faith. Let us look at our world with the eyes of faith. Then we will never be overcome by the evil in us and around us, but we can overcome evil with good. As Christ himself told us: “In the world you will have distress, but have confidence, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

May the New Year be a truly happy and prosperous one for you, your loved ones, and our people.

With deep fraternal affection and prayers, I remain

Your brother and friend,

BROTHER ROLANDO DIZON, FSC