Going Viral

Teenagers wrecking displays in stores, hating religion but loving Jesus, desecration of corpses by US Marines, affirmations of faith, disavowals of faith...the list can go on infinitely of what is availble on Youtube. Pope Benedict has designated this "The Year of Faith" a "getting back to basics" by urging all Christians to delve into the heart of Christianity: the teaching of Jesus, the PERSON of Jesus. In light of what is happening in the world, this comes at an opportune and crucial time, for again, as history shows, a lot of "rust" and "oxidation" have accrued, impeding the core message of Jesus. For Catholics, a study of the Catechism, the Documents of Vatican II will help, but there's no substitute for the encounter with Jesus that comes through time spent with him in prayer and in service to others. Our own Superior General, Br. Emili Turu, is asking Marists to focus on Mary as a means to coming to meet her Son and make him a part of our lives. It is truly through Mary that we can come to Jesus, personally and as a church. He calls for a Marial Church, one based on making Jesus known and loved, of doing good quietly, of living compassionatly and lovingly. These suggestions might not "go viral" (perhaps they ought to), but they can become part of our own efforts throughout our Marist World, and have an effect on us, our students, and all with whom we interact. As Saturdays are devoted to Mary, may we begin today to ask her for guidance and direction in polishing the treasure that Jesus left us and commanded us to pass on.
Bro. Rene