Staying Focused

From our publication, Water From the Rock, we read: ""Mary inspired Marcellin's style of being on mission. She received the Holy Spirit at the Annunciation and responded immediately to Elizabeth's need. In so doing, she shows us that contemplation and action are both indispensable elements of spirituality. Mary's way lays the foundation of all our actions: listening, patient waiting, nurturing interiority and responsivenss to God's will." Following this pattern in our own daily lives will help us keep focused on our mission and put our daily lives in true perspective.
Recently, Notre Dame graduate, Jeff Grabowsky, 28, finished a 3,700 mile run across America, which he began on January 20 and completed on May 21. He used a ring rosary to help him pray, and estimates that he recited 35,000 Hail Mary's in the course of his run. Despite this, he said that the hardest thing was keeping focused on the spiritual side of his efforts, distracted by so many physical challenges and his own inner temptations ranging from "why am I doing this?" to "why don't I just quit?" But he perservered and found his faith much stronger as he reflects on the total effects of the run. In our own less dramatic and physically demanding daily routine, we still, however, face the same questions Jeff faced. Following Mary's way, will give focus and meaning even to what may seem petty and trivial.
Bro. Rene