Courage

In these days when fear of terrorism is mounting as a result of the recent bombings in France and threats of more; when daily, it seems, the spread of evil is overpowering goodness, we as a Church are taking a long, hard look at "the last things", heaven, hell and judgment. We have seen the courage of the Maccabees and today's first reading tells of Mattathias, a zealous Jew who resisted the orders of the king to worship false gods.  His courage influenced the people to live according to the Law and their ancient customs.  We also remember Fr. Raphael Kolinowski, a Polish priest who founded several monasteries and helped spread the faith in Poland after suffering 10 years in the salt mines of Siberia.  Marists around the world continue to live the vision of St. Marcellin to protect poor children as well as lead them to come to know and love Jesus.  As Marists, all of us are called "to act with urgency to find new creative ways to educate, evangelize, advocate for, and to be in solidarity with young children, teens and young adults" (from a prayer form the Province of Australia to Universal Day of Children's Rights).  How can we better do this in and outside our schools?  The Holy Spirit is at work and soon we'll be seeing the results of the efforts we are making to give new vitality and dimension to our mission. At this time of the closing of the Church year and the beginning of a new,  may we follow the courageous leaders who have gone before us and trust that as he did with them, God will help us profoundly influence others to accept and live the gift of faith.
Bro. Rene