Sunday, July 12, 2015

Called To Be Missionaries

As St. Marcellin Champagnat's vision of his Little Brothers of Mary grew, hoped that one day there would be brothers in every diocese of the world. That hope, that dream is still unfolding as the Marist Brothers are in 79 countries and with the help of 40,000 lay colleagues, are making Jesus known and loved to over 500,000 students.  Jesus sent his Twelve out, with instructions of what to do, what to bring, and what to wear. (cf. Mk 6:7-13). Today there are over a billion Catholics, and 31% of the world's population is Christian.  The Word of God has spread and must keep spreading since we are all called to be missionaries.
Twenty years ago, this Gospel was the turning point in my decision to go to Rwanda.  The celebrant introduced the Mass saying, "We are all called to be missionaries, and some of us are called to leave their own countries.  I had been trying to discern whether to go to Rwanda or say no, and had asked God for a sign the night before. This was the sign, and my going there has had effects that are immeasurable...both on the students I taught, the people I met, and on me...Even this day, I'm speaking at three Masses on the Marist Missions! 
All can do something, via prayer, financial assistance, or by actually doing some missionary work.  Let us not think we are off the hook because Joe or JoAnne are doing it.  No, it's our calling too.
Bro. Rene

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