“What our method asks of a teacher as preparation is that she should examine herself, and purge herself of the defect of tyranny, eradicating the ancient mixture of pride and anger with which her heart is unconsciously encrusted. She must cast off pride and anger and - first of all - become humble before she can put on charity. That is the state of mind which she must attain. This is the central point of equilibrium without which it is impossible to advance. This is the inward 'preparation,' the point of departure and arrival” (The Child in the Church, p50).
How do we become this spiritual director for children, a scientist and saint, an unprofitable servant or faithful butler? The first step in becoming a Montessorian is not merely a question of learning the intellectual and practical knowledge needed to lead a room of children. No, it is in beginning the journey inward, the journey to an inner transformation, a shift of outlook and attitude towards the child and towards oneself. It involves attuning one's ear to the voice of the Holy Spirit who often chooses to speak through children to communicate truth. This process is, without a doubt, the most difficult part of formation, an aspect that is ongoing, a “big work” that continues throughout our lives. Over the next few weeks, we will look more closely at Dr. Montessori’s invitation and challenge to continue on this journey of transformation.
“That which the educator must seek is to be able to see the child as Jesus saw him. It is with this endeavor, thus defined and delimited, that we wish to deal. The true educator is the man who rids himself of the inner obstacles which make the child incomprehensible to him; he is not simply the man who is ever striving to become better. Our instruction to educators consists in showing them what inner dispositions they need to correct, just as a doctor might point out the particular and definite disease that is weakening or threatening a physical organ” (The Secret of Childhood, p108).
The most important part of an adult’s training is personal self-examination, transformation, and growth. Just as the adult must look at the whole child and his entire development, the adult must also look at himself and his own personal development. Dr. Montessori lifted up virtues needed by the prepared adult and each week of Lent we will look at one of these virtues, the first of which is faith.
Faith:
The virtue of faith practiced by the catechist begins with faith in God who has a Plan for each child in our care. We practice this virtue by visualizing and imagining the child who is not yet there, trusting that it is through work that this child will reveal himself. We wait for signs of concentration, relying on the innate goodness of the child and of God who has created him or her so uniquely and beautifully. We have faith in the Inner Guide, the Holy Spirit, Who is urging the child onward along his or her natural path of development. The adult must have confidence in this Guide and learn to nurture and support, not hinder His work. With which child do you need to exercise this virtue, asking the Holy Spirit to help you see with His eyes and not your own? Maybe this week you would like to set aside five minutes or more to recall how far this child has come this year or over the years, looking for the good work God has already done and is continuing to do.