Preparing the Way for Jesus

The gospel for today, John 1:19-28, recounts John's declaration that his mission was to "make straight the way of the Lord," (Jn 1: 23), to prepare hearts to receive "the Lamb of God.".  A fitting prototype for three saints whose mission was along these same lines:  St Basil the Great, St.Gregory Nazianzen and St. Marcellin Champagnat.  The former two are Doctors of the Church and take their place among the early Fathers of the Church, Basil the Great, being the founder of Eastern Monasticism and defender of the faith, as was Gregory, Bishop and once a monk in Basil's monastery.  St. Marcellin, without the acclaim given these two men, in his quiet way, was a dynamic force and model of faith in God and trust in Mary, as he set out to found a congregation of Brothers who for the last 203 years have been making a forceful impact on the world through education and commitment to Mary's way of pondering the mystery of God's presence , and of doing good without fanfare, but nonetheless very effectively.  Now in 83 countries and with the ranks swelling with Marists of Champagnat, our lay colleagues, we continue to prepare the way for Jesus by making him known and loved through our example and our teaching. We give thanks for this great privilege and mission and pray that MANY others join us in this work that seems even more necessary today than it did 203 years ago. May we continue to be faithful to the wisdom and zeal of these great men.
Bro. Rene