Marist Service

Today's Sophomore Service Retreat at Central Catholic raises the question: "Why is service such an important component in Marist Spirituality?"  It is not, for one thing, exclusively a Marist trait or requirement, but one for ALL Christians, for it flows from the actions and words of Jesus.  At the Last Supper, he took a bowl of water and washed the feet of the disciples, telling them that as he has done this to them, so should they do to others. (cf. Jn 13). Following this, he reminds them that loving one another as he has loved them, is the basis of his life and message. (cf. Jn 14).  It is a given, being a Christian demands that we serve one another in love.
Marists look at the "Servant-hood" of Mary, who answered Gabriel with, "Behold the servant of the Lord, Be it done to me according to your word." (Lk l:38).  And, our Founder, St. Marcellin, showed by his own life how much he put himself at the disposal of others and made service (in the form of education)  to those in need the reason for the existence of the Marist Brothers. We extend this service today in many forms, but always in the context of what Jesus and Mary did.
Bro. Rene