Increase, Decrease

The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, which we celebrate today, reminds us of our own daily "martyrdoms"  as we strive to allow God to take over our lives more totally. To do this, we do battle with the shadows that lurk within us, as well as with the injustices and evils we see outside of ourselves.  Looking closely, we find that there is only thin line separating them.  Yet, as with John, we repeat "He must increase, I must decrease."  (Jn 3:30).  We must leave behind those things which hinder his complete "take over."
In the past few days we have celebrated the memories of Monica and Augustine, both of whom came to the point where, having "left much behind", they found total fulfillment in Jesus. 
Having spent two days with retired missionary brothers at Chateau Richer near Quebec, men who "left all" years ago to live out their active lives in Malawi, Zambia, the then Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), and the Cameroons, they rest now with their infirmities, yet ever faithful to prayer and the family spirit which makes us Marist. All done under the protection and guidance of Mary, back when they were young brothers, and even now as with walkers and canes they continue to work in some capacity in caring for each other and the Marist heritage in Canada.  It was inspiring to us, who visited them, to see what it does to a person when Jesus is invited to increase day by day.  May it inspire all who read this to know, that decreasing and increasing are possible.
Bro. Rene