Reading I: Prv 3:13-24, 35

Happy the man who finds wisdom,
     the man who gains understanding!
For her profit is better than profit in silver,
     and better than gold is her revenue;
She is more precious than corals,
     and none of your choice possessions
     can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand,
     in her left are riches and honor;
Her ways are pleasant ways,
     and all her paths are peace;
She is a tree of life to those who grasp her,
     and she is happy who holds her fasst.
The LORD by wisdom founded the esrth,
     established the heavens by understanding;
By his knowledge the depths break open,
     and the clouds drop down dew.
My son, let not these slip out of your sight:
     keep advice and counsel in view;
So will they be life to your soul,
     and an adornment for your neck.
Then you may securely go your way;
     your foot will never stumble;
When you lie down, you need not be afraid;
     when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.
Honor is the possession of wise men,
     but fools inherit shame.


Reading II: FS, Doc. 54, 3, p.159

[Remarks made by Fr.Colin while working on the Constitutions in 1842.]

"The third thing I want to urge is that the Marists not think so much about themselves. Let us not always be coming back
upon ourselves, let us not look at ourselves so much. Really, what a spectacle! We are so fine! Rather, let us look at God,
who is uncreated beauty. Let us walk in his presence. By always looking at him we shall become like him, we shall
become perfect. How I pity those who are always caught up with themselves and who like to steep in their own juice." As
he said this, he laughed heartily. "Ah, yes," he said, "we soil ourselves with our own company." He added that a broader
approach raises up the soul, makes it capable of great good, while those characters who are engrossed in themselves
make no great progress, even in their own sanctification. "Let us laugh," he said, "for God wants us to laugh. We shall
weep on other occasions. Life is a mixture of laughing and weeping. Let us follow the path before us with our eyes fixed
on the good Lord."

Prayer

     Almighty Father, the love you offer always exceeds the furthest expression of human longing, for you are         
      greater than the human heart. Direct each thought, each effort of our life, so that the limits of our faults and   
      weaknesses may not obscure the vision of your glory or keep us from the peace you have promised. We            
     make this prayer through Christ, our Lord.
     Amen.
                                                                                                                             MC, p. 144
                                                                   * * *

For growth in the Spirit of Mary

extract from the "Marist prayer texts for special days", 1997
November 15

The Anniversary of the Death of Venerable Father Founder in 1875
International Marist Family Year of Prayer 2009-2010
Since September 12th, a new theme has been proposed by the Lay Marists from New Zealand.

“Mary, Mother of Peace”
May Marists throughout the world be people of PEACE.
We are all invited to "focus on Jesus so that
his peace fills our hearts and overflows into the lives of others.”

Marist Laity Australia and New Zealand are graciously offering you to
photocopy the following documents and to spread them world-wide!
click here to download a prayer bookmark
click here to download the prayer card

Monthly/Daily/Optional
Prayer Intentions
I pray for peace …
In my heart
In my family
For those troubled by mental
illness
For the innocent in war zones
For the combatants in war zones
Between nations
In our neighbourhood
Between races and cultures
Between religions
In the Middle East
In African nations
In the Holy Land
In European nations
In the countries of the Americas
In Pacific countries
In Asian countries