{"id":21623,"date":"2025-05-30T15:31:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T22:31:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/?p=21623"},"modified":"2025-06-03T17:31:42","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T00:31:42","slug":"the-message-of-the-rector-major-fr-fabio-attard-educating-beyond-weakness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/2025\/05\/30\/the-message-of-the-rector-major-fr-fabio-attard-educating-beyond-weakness\/","title":{"rendered":"The Message of the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard: Educating Beyond Weakness"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jesus’ encounter with Peter illuminates and depicts with a particular light our mission as evangelizers and educators<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In the last chapter of the Gospel of John, chapter 21, we find Jesus’ encounter with Peter. We read a dialogue that is built on three questions and then ends with a mandate (Jn. 21:15-23). I would like to comment on this encounter, which casts a particular light on our very mission as evangelizers and educators. It is a passage that presents a fundamental moment in Peter’s life and also in the mission of the nascent Church. For us who are engaged in the Salesian mission, it is also rich in educational and pastoral meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the resurrection, Jesus appears to the disciples on the Sea of Galilee and, after sharing a meal with them, turns to Simon Peter with three successive questions which touch directly on His relationship with Peter: “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” In the first two questions, what Jesus asks for is a demanding love that does not count the cost. This question, asked twice to Peter, is demanding and challenging. He is aware of his weakness caused by his betrayal. For this reason, his answer both times is, indeed, one that testifies to love, but to a love that is more human, that is fragile. In the face of these two answers, Jesus still entrusts him with the care of His flock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is the third question that puts Peter in crisis because Jesus asks Peter precisely for the commitment to that love of which he is capable: human love with its weaknesses, fragility, and limitations. We can say that Jesus calls Peter to a “high” love, but he does not want to put him in a situation of impossibility, of being discouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peter, for his part, realizes both the fact that his love is weak and the fact that Jesus does everything He can to help him not to give up. He wants to be sincere and stay close to Jesus. And his answer to the third question is a testimony of how his heart, even if wounded, wants to be placed entirely in the hands of Jesus: “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love You.” (v. 17)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, we discover that this is not only a threefold dialogue that recalls and surmounts Peter’s threefold denial before the Passion. Here we have an example of a dialogue that marks a path based on that true love, which fosters reconciliation and encourages growth and responsibility with regard to oneself and others. We catch a glimpse of how this dialogue between Jesus and Peter is a model of spiritual and human education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some observations that are useful to us who accompany children and young people in their growth and maturation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

True love is based on that trust that never fails<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

After the betrayal, Jesus not only forgives Peter, but goes further: He entrusts him with an even greater responsibility. This represents an extraordinary educational lesson for us: the trust given is a renewed confirmation of the respect we have for the person. It is a love that confers both dignity and responsibility. Jesus does not limit himself to forgiving, but gives Peter back his mission, enriched by a new understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respect for individual times and paths<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Peter’s betrayal foretold by Jesus is not followed by the commonplace reaction of “I told you so!” Jesus “sees” betrayal, but He also “sees” beyond. Jesus’ love is a Love that knows human weakness but has the strength to stir up the seed of goodness within the wounded heart, and this seed never disappears. Here we see how Jesus finds what Don Bosco called “the point of goodness in the heart of every boy” and does everything possible to make it emerge. Evil committed must never have the last word. The last word must be had only by love, the Charity of the Good Shepherd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means having correct patience and respect for the right moment. Experience teaches us time and again that evil committed only needs to be met with affection, patience, and compassion, especially where children and young people are concerned. Don Bosco comments on this very well when he speaks of the Preventive System. The moment when children and young people feel they are surrounded by a mature and adult love, which facilitates and does not condemn, which listens and does not command, propels that hidden but ever-present point of goodness towards the good. It is a spring that sets in motion surprises of goodness that often have been either forgotten or overwhelmed by negative experiences lived and\/or suffered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How urgent it is today that our children and young people find healthy and mature, patient and far-sighted adults, parents, and educators! Authentic are those paths that respect the uniqueness of the person with his weaknesses, but also with his potential. We are true benefactors when we can see time as a space for gradual and consistent growth. It is an attitude that avoids proposing or, even worse, imposing standardized models that put people into boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparisons and the temptation to compete<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Towards the end of the encounter between Jesus and Peter, there is a detail about which I would like to make a comment. Peter asks Jesus about John, “And him?” Jesus cuts it short, as we say today: “If I want him to stay until I come, what does it matter to you?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a very curt answer, and one that is a good lesson for Peter. In a nutshell, Jesus invites Peter to focus on his own growth without asking curious and useless questions about others. And this “dry” answer remains for us! To be responsible and help others towards self-responsibility also implies clarifying boundaries so that the growth process does not go off track. The risk of making comparisons and being in competition with others is detrimental. The true educational path is personal, not competitive. Diverting one’s attention from oneself to look at others diverts attention from one’s own journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion: education as a relationship of love that begets the future<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The passage culminates in the invitation “You follow me.” These three words contain the essence of the Christian educational process: personal discipleship, direct relationship with the Master. Authentic education is not the transmission of concepts, but an introduction to a living relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The threefold “Do you love me?” reveals that love is the foundation of every authentic educational relationship. Only when the educator truly loves the student, and the student responds with love, is that space of freedom and trust created in which the person can grow fully. Christian education, the Salesian experience, finds in this passage a sublime model: a process of transformation based on love, forgiveness, trust, and respect for freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

EL MENSAJE DEL RECTOR MAYOR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don Fabio Attard<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EDUCAR M\u00c1S ALL\u00c1 DE LAS DEBILIDADES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

El encuentro de Jes\u00fas con Pedro ilumina y representa, con una luz especial, nuestra misi\u00f3n de evangelizadores y educadores.<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

En el \u00faltimo cap\u00edtulo del Evangelio de Juan, el cap\u00edtulo 21, encontramos el encuentro de Jes\u00fas con Pedro. Leemos un di\u00e1logo que se construye en torno a tres preguntas y termina con un mandato (Jn 21, 15-23). Quisiera comentar este encuentro que arroja una luz particular sobre nuestra misma misi\u00f3n de evangelizadores y educadores. Es un pasaje que presenta un momento fundamental en la vida de Pedro y tambi\u00e9n en la misi\u00f3n de la Iglesia naciente. Para nosotros, que estamos comprometidos en la misi\u00f3n salesiana, tambi\u00e9n resulta rico en significados educativos y pastorales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tras la resurrecci\u00f3n, Jes\u00fas se manifiesta a los disc\u00edpulos en el lago de Tiber\u00edades y, despu\u00e9s de compartir una comida con ellos, se dirige a Sim\u00f3n Pedro con tres preguntas sucesivas que tocan la relaci\u00f3n directa entre \u00e9l y Pedro: \u00abSim\u00f3n, hijo de Juan, \u00bfme amas?\u00bb En las dos primeras preguntas, lo que Jes\u00fas pide es un amor exigente que no calcula los costes. Esta pregunta, repetida dos veces a Pedro, resulta exigente y desafiante. \u00c9l es consciente de su debilidad, causada por su traici\u00f3n. Por eso, en dos ocasiones su respuesta es, s\u00ed, una afirmaci\u00f3n de amor, pero de un amor m\u00e1s humano, fr\u00e1gil. Ante estas respuestas, Jes\u00fas le conf\u00eda igualmente el cuidado de su reba\u00f1o.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Es la tercera pregunta la que pone a Pedro en crisis, porque Jes\u00fas le pide precisamente ese amor del que \u00e9l es capaz: el amor humano con debilidades, fragilidades y l\u00edmites. Podemos decir que Jes\u00fas llama a Pedro a un amor \u201celevado\u201d, pero sin ponerle en una situaci\u00f3n imposible o de des\u00e1nimo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pedro, por su parte, se da cuenta tanto de que su amor es d\u00e9bil como de que Jes\u00fas hace todo lo posible para ayudarle a no rendirse. Desea ser sincero y permanecer cerca de Jes\u00fas. Su respuesta a la tercera pregunta es testimonio de que su coraz\u00f3n, aunque herido, quiere entregarse por completo a Jes\u00fas: \u00abSe\u00f1or, t\u00fa lo sabes todo; t\u00fa sabes que te quiero\u00bb (v.17).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Descubrimos entonces que no se trata solo de un triple di\u00e1logo que remite y supera la triple negaci\u00f3n de Pedro antes de la Pasi\u00f3n. Tenemos un ejemplo de un di\u00e1logo que marca un camino basado en el amor verdadero, que favorece la reconciliaci\u00f3n, estimula el crecimiento y la responsabilidad, consigo mismo y con los dem\u00e1s. Vemos c\u00f3mo este di\u00e1logo entre Jes\u00fas y Pedro es un modelo de educaci\u00f3n espiritual y humana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aqu\u00ed van algunas observaciones \u00fatiles para nosotros, que acompa\u00f1amos a ni\u00f1os y j\u00f3venes en su crecimiento y maduraci\u00f3n en su vida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

El amor verdadero se basa en esa confianza que nunca falla<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Despu\u00e9s de la traici\u00f3n, Jes\u00fas no solo perdona a Pedro, sino que va m\u00e1s all\u00e1: le conf\u00eda una responsabilidad a\u00fan mayor. Esto representa para nosotros una extraordinaria lecci\u00f3n educativa: la confianza concedida es una confirmaci\u00f3n renovada del respeto hacia la persona. Un amor que da dignidad y hace responsable. Jes\u00fas no se limita a perdonar, sino que devuelve a Pedro su misi\u00f3n, ahora enriquecida con una nueva conciencia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

El respeto por los tiempos e itinerarios individuales<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Al anuncio de la traici\u00f3n de Pedro hecho por Jes\u00fas, no le sigue la t\u00edpica reacci\u00f3n de \u201c\u00a1te lo dije!\u201d. Jes\u00fas \u201cve\u201d la traici\u00f3n, pero tambi\u00e9n \u201cve\u201d m\u00e1s all\u00e1. El suyo es un amor que conoce la debilidad humana, pero que tiene la fuerza de hacer brotar desde dentro del coraz\u00f3n herido la semilla de la bondad. Y esta semilla nunca desaparece. Lo que Don Bosco llam\u00f3 el punto de bondad en el coraz\u00f3n de cada muchacho, lo vemos aqu\u00ed cuando Jes\u00fas lo encuentra y hace todo lo posible para que emerja. El mal cometido nunca debe tener la \u00faltima palabra. La \u00faltima palabra debe ser siempre el amor, la caridad del buen pastor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Esto significa tener paciencia y respeto por los tiempos. La experiencia nos ense\u00f1a que muchas veces el mal cometido solo necesita ser encontrado con afecto, paciencia y compasi\u00f3n. Especialmente los ni\u00f1os y j\u00f3venes, y Don Bosco lo expresa muy bien cuando habla del Sistema Preventivo. En el momento en que los ni\u00f1os y j\u00f3venes se sienten rodeados de un amor maduro y adulto, que facilita y no condena, que escucha y no impone, aflora esa bondad escondida pero presente hacia el bien. Es un resorte que activa sorpresas de bondad que muchas veces est\u00e1n olvidadas o sepultadas por experiencias negativas vividas y\/o sufridas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a1Cu\u00e1n urgente es hoy que nuestros chicos y chicas encuentren adultos, madres y padres, educadores y educadoras sanos y maduros, pacientes y con visi\u00f3n de futuro! Son aut\u00e9nticos aquellos recorridos que respetan la unicidad de la persona, con sus debilidades pero tambi\u00e9n con su potencial. Somos verdaderos bienhechores cuando conseguimos ver el tiempo como espacio para un crecimiento gradual y s\u00f3lido. Es una actitud que evita proponer \u2014o, peor a\u00fan, imponer\u2014 modelos estandarizados que encasillan a las personas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

La comparaci\u00f3n y la tentaci\u00f3n de compararse<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Hacia el final del encuentro entre Jes\u00fas y Pedro hay un detalle que me gustar\u00eda comentar. Pedro pregunta a Jes\u00fas sobre Juan: \u201c\u00bfY \u00e9l?\u201d. Y Jes\u00fas corta por lo sano, como dir\u00edamos hoy: \u00abSi quiero que \u00e9l permanezca hasta que yo venga, \u00bfa ti qu\u00e9 te importa?\u00bb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Una respuesta tajante, y tambi\u00e9n una lecci\u00f3n clara para Pedro. En pocas palabras, Jes\u00fas invita a Pedro a centrarse en su propio crecimiento, sin hacer preguntas curiosas e in\u00fatiles sobre los dem\u00e1s. Y esta respuesta \u201ctajante\u201d es muy oportuna. Ser responsables y ayudar a otros a asumir su propia responsabilidad tambi\u00e9n implica clarificar los par\u00e1metros para que el proceso de crecimiento no se desv\u00ede. Porque el riesgo de la comparaci\u00f3n y de medirnos con los dem\u00e1s es nocivo. El verdadero camino educativo es personal, no competitivo. Desviar la atenci\u00f3n de uno mismo hacia los dem\u00e1s impide centrarse en el propio camino.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusi\u00f3n: la educaci\u00f3n como relaci\u00f3n de amor que genera futuro<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

El pasaje culmina con la invitaci\u00f3n: “T\u00fa, s\u00edgueme.” En estas dos palabras se encierra la esencia del proceso educativo cristiano: el seguimiento personal, la relaci\u00f3n directa con el Maestro. La aut\u00e9ntica educaci\u00f3n no es la transmisi\u00f3n de conocimientos, sino la introducci\u00f3n a una relaci\u00f3n viva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

El triple “\u00bfme amas?” revela que el amor es el fundamento de toda aut\u00e9ntica relaci\u00f3n educativa. Solo cuando el educador ama verdaderamente al educando, y el educando responde con amor, se crea ese espacio de libertad y confianza en el que la persona puede crecer plenamente. La educaci\u00f3n cristiana, la experiencia salesiana, encuentra en este pasaje un modelo sublime: un proceso de transformaci\u00f3n basado en el amor, en el perd\u00f3n, en la confianza y en el respeto a la libertad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Jesus’ encounter with Peter illuminates and depicts with a particular light our mission as evangelizers and educators In the last chapter of the Gospel of John, chapter 21, we find Jesus’ encounter with Peter. We read a dialogue that is built on three questions and then ends with a mandate (Jn. 21:15-23). I would like to comment on this encounter, which casts a particular light … Continuar leyendo The Message of the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard: Educating Beyond Weakness<\/span><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":10336596,"featured_media":21696,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_crdt_document":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[782003447,516714022],"tags":[35890],"class_list":["post-21623","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rector-major","category-salesian-world-news","tag-featured"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/salesianbulletin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/rector-mayor-attard-feature.jpg?fit=1600%2C875&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p59ePG-5CL","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21623","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10336596"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21623"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21623\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21660,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21623\/revisions\/21660"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21696"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21623"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21623"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21623"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}