My
sons, in my long experience very often I had to be convinced of this
great truth. It is easier to become angry than to restrain oneself,
and to threaten a boy than to persuade him. Yes, indeed, it is more
fitting to be persistent in punishing our own impatience and pride
than to correct the boys. We must be firm but kind, and be patient
with them. See that no one finds you motivated by impetuosity or
willfulness. It is difficult to keep calm when administering
punishment, but this must be done if we are to keep ourselves from
showing off our authority or spilling out our anger. Let us regard
those boys over whom we have some authority as our own sons. Let us
place ourselves in their service. Let us be ashamed to assume an
attitude of superiority. Let us not rule over them except for the
purpose of serving them better. This was the method that Jesus used
with the apostles. He put up with their ignorance and roughness and
even their infidelity. He treated sinners with a kindness and
affection that caused some to be shocked, others to be scandalized
and still others to hope for God’s mercy. And so he bade us to be
gentle and humble of heart.
--
Saint John Bosco from a
letter
