"What am I doing when I do what I do?"
Thanks to Fr. Al McMenamy for his reflection on this topic.
"Bob and Mary Ann, an Affiliate couple, have told me many times, 'being Affiliates, being part of this Affiliate community, has helped preserve our faith. Without this we are not sure we would still be church folks.' I have heard this from others over the years.
After teaching in our schools for almost 40 years, I began to minister full time as spiritual assistant/director with Affiliate groups and other Lay Marianist communities. I travel a lot around the Midwest and Southwest. In all of this I know I am being called upon to share the Good News of the Gospel, especially as known, lived and practiced in our 'Marianist way' of spirituality.
The critical piece for me is to realize that it is truly the Holy Spirit and our Blessed Mother who underpin everything. It is all about
Jesus. Mary brought Jesus the first time; now it is our turn to continue her mission. I believe the folks with whom I work do know this truth.
They are to bring Jesus to the waiting world! I am simply an instrument to help along the way.
Affiliates and other Lay Marianists love Father Chaminade's charism and his fundamental teachings: Mary, community, discipleship of equals, and mission. I share this spirituality with them; they catch it; they love it!
The Holy Spirit and Mary are working their ways. I do my small part and then get out of the way!"
|
