Go In Haste

The Second General Chapter of 1852 convened on this day, 160 years ago, and gave us a Constitution and  Common Rules which set the tone for the Marist Brothers of the Schools for almost 100 years.  The 21st General Chapter of 2009 was of a much more pastoral nature, it's theme being "New Hearts for a New World.  So much has changed over these past 160 years, that a new approach was deemed necessary.  The model and motto eminating from the Chapter and encased in its final document was the phrase:  "Go in haste to a new land."  It springs from the description of Mary's hasty journey to be with her cousin Elizabeth, whom the angel Gabriel had announced was in her six month, "for nothing is impossible with God." (Lk 1: 37)  Mary went to BE with Elizabeth and to bring the child within her, the Messiah, to her.  She came to bring her joy to her and to share in Elizabeth's joy whose stigma of being barren had been lifted.  She also came to be of whatever help she could be.  The power of her presence, coming from the child within her and service to those in need stand out as templates for Marist presence and mission:  It again comes down to bringing Jesus to others and the joy that entails, and of assisting those most in need, the most neglected, or "the least favored" in humble, joyful service.  Applying this model in our concrete work and interaction remains the goal and purpose of each Marist day.  May we follow Mary and find joy in God our Savior, and follow the cues in her Magnificat:  mercy to those who fear him, strength in his arm, a place with the lifted lowly, satisfaction to the hungry, not only with food, but with spiritual nourishment.  Thus will all generations call us blessed as well.  (cf Lk 1 46-55).
Bro. Rene