10 - An interpersonal wisdom: L'Arche, learning disability and the Gospel of John

Summary

L'Arche is founded on the need for an intelligent, wise love, so that each person may discover who they are and grow to greater maturity. Love is at the heart of the Christian message.

Jean Vanier

They cry out to us and there is a vulnerability in their cry. They need us to walk with them, to support them, to believe in them, and to reveal to them their gift. There is an immense power in their cry, which is a cry for friendship, for recognition and for acceptance. In listening to their cry and in responding to it by becoming their friends and companions on the journey, we discover that, in reality, we need them as much, if not more, than they need us. Just as we call forth the adult in them and help them to assume greater independence, they call forth the child in us and awaken in us the qualities of the heart.

Tim Kearney

The spirituality of L'Arche is based on the revolutionary ‘upside-down’ vision of the Beatitudes, on the paradox that our spiritual health and healing lies not in the pursuit of power, but in the welcome and integration of weakness, both in ourselves and the other:

Blessed are the poor in Spirit

Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn

For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the gentle,

For they will inherit the earth …

Blessed are the peace-makers

For they shall be called sons and daughters of God.

(Matthew 5:3–9)