4. Nazareth
Nazareth is another point of reference in Mary's life and in the life of the first Marists. Is is the place, the home where the Marists go in spirit and from there see things as Mary sees them. At Nazareth Mary 'stored up in her heart' and pondered the events of the life of Jesus. As long as we remain in our own place, we risk being caught in our own interests and motives. Nazareth is the place where slowly, silently, unobtrusively Jesus grew in wisdom and spiritual strength. It is the place where we too can learn the wisdom that comes from seeing things from God's point of view. Nazareth is also an approach to life which 'ponders the things of God' and treasures them in the heart. It is a place of the heart: a place of silence and of faith. It is a place of spiritual growth, of waiting on the Spirit who changes us from within.
