A Night of Prayer

 

 Luke 6:12-16

The Twelve Apostles

¹² One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. ¹³ When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: ¹⁴ Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, ¹⁵ Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, ¹⁶ Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Today we remember two of the Apostles Jesus chose to carry on his ministry, and we Marists remember the encounter St. Marcellin had with the dying 17 year old Jean-Baptiste Montagne which precipitated the establishment of the Marist Brothers whose teaching ministry now bolstered by thousands of Lay Marists continues to make Jesus known and loved. It is significant to note that Jesus prayed all night before announcing his choices, including Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.  St. Marcellin too was a man of prayer, relying on it to help him with personnel, political and financial issues throughout his life.He was a man of action as well, ordained on July 16, 1816, met the Montagne boy on October 28, 1816, and began the first community of Marist Brothers on January 2, 1817. Not a procrastinator for sure, and a model for us who face countless challenges ranging from indifference to the Faith to divisions within the Church. May St. Marcellin continue to inspire us to ACTION and CONVICTION, that what we do IS God's will and work, and that we all can play a major role in accomplishing it. We are the Marcellins for our time; we must pray and work with faith, energy and love to carry on the Marist Mission.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, as Sts. Simon, Jude and Marcellin used their time and talents to spread knowledge and love of you, help us to carry on this mission with all our strength, energy and gifts.. Amen.