This slice of Daily Bread comes in the context of the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist, the 29th anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Mother, the Queen of Peace, in Medjugorje and the conclusion of the Assembly of the Marist Brothers. Is there a common thread tying all three together? It would seem so. All three events bespeak mission, the call to conversion and joy. Even before he was born, John leapt for joy in his mother's womb when Mary arrived carrying the Messiah in her womb. Over the years that moment was translated into his mission to prepare the way for his cousin by calling his disciples to conversion of heart. Mary has been calling her children (us) to that same conversion through prayer, peace, fasting, he sacraments and the holy scriptures: long venerated tools of spiritual growth. One hundred thirty-nine Marist Brothers and lay people convened for two and a half-days pondering our mission as Marists, how better we can live it, share it and bring others to know and love Jesus. A joyful spirit of family gathered around St Marcellin prevailed and comes with us as we return to our local communities. Grace and renewed energy unite us and will help us be more effective witnesses as was St. John. It is a day to rejoice a time for optimism and a reason for much gratitude and humility. "Who am I that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Lk 1: 43).
God's ways are beyond ours. Let us "do whatever he tells us." (cf. Jn. 2:5).
Bro. Rene
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