Standing Tall

As Marists we are called to make Jesus known and loved to youth, especially the most needy and neglected, to nourish that knowledge and love, and to be guides, or watchmen who typically stand on a high place so they can see far into the distance to be able to foresee any imminent danger and be able to warn the people to prepare to meet the oncoming danger. St. Gregory the Great. whose memorial we celebrate today, was such a watchman, guiding the Church through perilous times, despite his poor health.  He set high standards of prayer and discipline for himself and serves as a model for us to accept the high standards Jesus proposed:  to be willing to carry our cross, if we are to be his true disciple, to welcome children, to forgive enemies, to name a few.  As Marists we are called to love all, and love them equally.  No one ever said that standing tall in the role of watchman, was easy, but there is no greater treasure we can lie up for ourselves than this.  "Well done, good and faithful servant, for you have been faithful...enter into the joy of your Master."  (cf. Mt 25: 31-46).
Bro. Rene