The original idea of the Marist project was never to see the light of day. The plan of a vast group of people all working together under one superior general was too complicated for the authorities in Rome to understand. But despite that, the dream has become a reality in another way. The Marist way is not just a certain way of living the Gospel, one way among many others. It’s also a way that will certainly lead to a fulfilled life.
Humble people
I will remove your proud boasters from your midst,
and you will cease to strut on my holy mountain.
In your midst I will leave a humble, lowly people,
and those who are left will seek refuge
in the name of the Lord. (Zeph 3: 11-12)
This paradox of power in weakness and strength in spmplicity which lies so deep in the heard of the Christian life is also the foundation of the Marist experience. Mary’s first prayer was in praise of the God who “scatters the proud hearted”, and who “casts the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly”.
Her fundamental trust was in the name of God and the power of God’s name.
Marists who follow Mary’s way of living the Gospel never see themselves as anything but a “humble, lowly people” in the midst of the Church