CSSJ Maxim Monday: Structure of the Maxims

Many have commented to me directly about my “New Year’s Rolution” to reflect on the Maxims of the Little Institute of the Sisters of St. Joseph. You are still encouraged to post comments right on this blog. Some expected reflections on individual Maxims right away. In the weeks ahead, I'll reflect more on individual maxims or parts of maxims, but I thought it might be helpful to see a bit of an overview first. I guess the high school Theology teacher is still alive and well within me.

So…The structure of the maxims can be seen in this chart:

The aim of our life is set forth in the first maxim –
“Keep always in mind the aim of your vocation which is sublime; and never do anything which contradicts the commitment to a life full of modesty, gentleness, and holiness.” Some would say this maxim it says it all! Any good teacher repeats, repeats, repeats in many different ways. . . until the student "gets it." This seems to be what Father Médaille was doing with our first sisters. This little graphic was created with the help of Sr. Mary Theresa.

Structure of the Maxims of the Little Institute:

1-11 present the spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph
12-43 describe our relationship with God
44-61 describe our relationship with others
62-90 describe our relationship with self
91-100 provide a summary of the spirituality

Note that though we structure these maxims as emphasizing God, others, self, one is never seen as separate from the other.

Remember, our mission is the love and service of God AND the love and service of neighbor.

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