XVII. The Response

Preparation
1. Praise of the Father.
2. Hail Mary.

Text: This least congregation, which the Supreme Pontiff Gregory XVI graciously approved on April 29th, 1836, was, from the very beginning given the name SOCIETY OF MARY. This name is sufficient indication of the banner beneath which it desires to serve infighting the battles of the Lord, and what its spirit should be. Let them always bear in mind that they belong by a gracious choice to the family of the blessed Mary, Mother of God, from whose name they are called Marists, and whom they have chosen as their model and as their first and perpetual superior from the beginning. (Constitutions of Society of Mary)

Introduction: Up to now, these Exercises have simply been a means of putting us into closer personal contact with Mary, and of enabling us to explore her role in salvation history, and her importance for our lives and for the Church of our day. These Exercises have been designed along the lines of the Marist approach to the mystery of Mary, but they are such that they could be of value to any Christian wishing to draw from Mary's presence something of the wealth that God has given us in her. With this Exercise, however, we are invited to take a further and very significant step. We are invited to respond to Mary's love for us in a very special way. We are invited to choose her as our model and as our guide on life's journey. We are invited to join the Marist family, and henceforth to bear Mary's name and live, as it were, her life today. This Exercise, then, will call for a decision. It is most important that this decision be made at a time of great inner peace and external tranquility. It is not the kind of decision that can be made hastily or under the pressure of circumstances. It is a decision that, hopefully, has been- maturing already as a result of the previous Exercises. Nevertheless, we are to take all the time we need. So there is no time limit to this Exercise. Take as many days, weeks or months as you want. It would also be of great advantage to consult with: a confessor or spiritual director while going through this Exercise, The company of another person as director, a person skilled in these matters, will help us very much to arrive at a sound and objective decision.

Grace: Ask God for the grace to know whether it is as a Marist, bearing Mary's name, that you can best show your love for him and best serve his people.

The Exercise: There are four steps to this Exercise. It is important to do them in order, and to complete the first before moving on to the next, and so on.

Step one. Review of Experience.

1. Review your experiences while doing the previous Exercises. Reread any notes you made, and think back over your reflections and prayer experiences. Focus especially on how you felt. What was it that excited you? What things left you cold? What things did you find distasteful? Did you sense that there was any message coming through to you personally?

2. In the same way, review the main experiences of your life, especially things that were important to you, things you felt deeply about, experiences related to God, to Church and to service of others.

3. Now ask yourself: while you have been making these Exercises, or at any other times in your life, can you say that you have felt Mary's love for you? Has there been some special way that you have felt her concern or her motherly care? Has Mary had any special influence on your life, some special part in your life?

4. Again, during these Exercises, or previously during your life, have you been struck by the needs of other people? Have you felt much concern about them? Have you desired to help people in need? Can you say that you have felt something of Mary's devotion to the Church, to the People of God? If you can say yes to some or all of the above questions, go on to step two.

Step two. Understanding Your Experience.

1. What sort of sense can you make of your life? What does it seem to be saying to you? What is your life (not life in general) all about?

2. Marists are those who 'belong by a gracious choice to the family of Mary, Mother of God...' They are people who wish to imitate her, to follow in her footsteps, to do her work today. Does the idea of a special call to belong to Mary, to follow her and to work in her name help you to understand the experiences and feelings you noted in step one? Does that idea help you to make sense of your life up to now?

3. Looking back over the experiences of your life, is there reason to believe that you are somehow special to Mary, or that you are called to serve people in the way that she did, sharing her concerns?

Again, if you can answer yes to one or more of these questions, go on to.step three.

Step three. Naming Your Experience.

Marists are people who have been given Mary's name to bear, and have accepted that name and the responsibilities that go with bearing the name of Mary.

1. On the basis of what you have learned and experienced during these Exercises, what do you think it would mean for you to bear Mary's name as a Marist? What are the responsibilities that would flow from your accepting the gift of her name?

2. Seek confirmation of your conclusions, if possible, with someone experienced in the Marist way of living.

3. Are you capable of fulfilling these responsibilities?

4. Are you ready and willing to bear these responsibilities?

5. Does the idea of 'bearing Mary's name' help to give unity, direction and renewed vigor to your life?

Again, if your answer is yes, go on to step four. Step four. Acting on vour Experience.

Marists signify their acceptance of Mary's name by choosing her as their model and guide. If, after careful consideration and due consultation with a wise director, you desire to do so, express your commitment in these or similar words:

Father, I come before you as one whom you recognize -as your child. Your son Jesus has revealed the fullness of your love for me. I acknowledge him as my Lord. I wish to learn from him how to love you and how to love my sisters and brothers. To help me to follow Jesus, your Spirit inspired Jean-Claude Colin and his companions to found the Society of Mary. I believe that you are calling me now to become a member of the Society of Mary. I see in this call a sign of your love. I praise you Father, and ask that you pour the Spirit of Jesus into my heart, so that I may respond to your call. Accept, Father, the commitment that I make today: may I always keep in mind the favor you have shown me in making me a member of the family of Mary. Help me to bear worthily the name of the mother of Jesus who is also my mother. May this name signify for me an entire plan of action. May it urge me to keep Mary always before my eyes as my model and inspiration I will undertake nothing without seeking her assistance. In all that I do in the service of my brothers and sisters, I want never to seek my own advantage, but will be happy to remain unknown and even hidden in the world. Father, accept my commitment. May the Spirit of Jesus keep me faithful to it. Amen. (By Gaston Lessard, S.M.)

Reflection Day November 2011

Marist Spirituality