Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us there is a time for everything. Practically speaking, we also know that time changes everything; and that the only constant is change itself.
This is true in relationships, employment, family and life situations, community and interpersonal dynamics, and particularly in our own personal evolution (physically, emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, socially, politically, and so on).
Communities, and society, also experience these dynamics. They are not static. They are organic. People come and go, people evolve, groups evolve. And things change. Communities have life cycles. They're born. They grow. They thrive. They change. And sometimes, they die. So too, do businesses and ministries. But hopefully something else is always on the horizon. Sometimes we have the opportunity to give birth to new ideas and new ways of doing things.
We frequently tell ourselves we need to read the signs of the times. And these days, times are changing quickly. Technology is changing. Our personal interaction is changing. Society is changing. The church is changing. And the church's role in society is changing. Sadly, for some, the church is less relevant. Others, more fervent, cling to absolutes in an ambiguous world.
Our challenge, as we read the signs of the times, is not to change in a reactive way. We must be proactive. Our challenge is not just to figure out where we fit in. Our challenge is to be people in mission, individually and/or collectively. Our challenge is to find the best way to do that. Our challenge is to not navel-gaze, but to look outward and imagine a better world. It can sound trite, but our challenge is to be the change we want to see in the world. Our challenge is to be Christ in modern times.
As Marianist laity, we have a gift to share with the church and the world. We have our faith, our community, our inclusive family spirit, our mission to bring Christ into the world, and we have Mary as our model. We can lead by example and hope it inspires others.
How do you live the Marianist mission? How does your community live it? Is it time for a change?
Peace,
Matt Dunn
Editor
