THE BE-ATTITUDES: THE QUALITIES NEEDED IN ORDER TO BE

Posted on May 19, 2012 by franksantucci

Situations vacant! I conclude these reflections on the 1818 Rule with the picture that Eugene gives of the qualities required in a prospective candidate to the Missionaries.

He has to have a great desire for his own perfection,
an unlimited love for Jesus Christ and his Church,
and an enormous zeal for the salvation of souls.
He must have a heart that is free from all disorderly affection for earthly things,
a great detachment from his family and place of birth,
a lack of interest to the point of disdaining wealth;
he must be willing to serve God and the Church, either in the missions, or in the other ministries of the Society
and he must want to persevere until death in faithfulness and obedience to the holy Rule of the Institute.

1818 Rule, Chapter two, §1 The qualities necessary for admission in
Missions, 78 (1951) p.85

 We shall see how Eugene’s later version of this already-demanding description was to become much more fiery in approach.

 ”A man of personality can formulate ideals, but only a man of character can achieve them.”   Herbert Read

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: FINE FEATHERS DO NOT MAKE FINE BIRDS

Posted on May 18, 2012 by franksantucci

It is said that the “habit does not make the monk” – but what Eugene is getting at in this article of the Rule is that our exterior appearance can be an indication of an inner attitude.

The missionary will never be allowed to curl his hair, or to wear buckles on his shoes, or rings on his fingers. Everything on and about him ought to be of the greatest simplicity.

1818 Rule, Part Two, Chapter One. Regarding other principal observances

Years ago I remember the old-timer Oblates always expressing their amusement about the prohibition of having buckles on their shoes [it refers to the ornate silver buckles worn by the 19th century clergy who were affluent], and so it is with a smile that I put this in today. Fashions have changed in two hundred years, but the heart of this rule is still important.

What I hear Eugene saying is: do not imitate some of the ostentatious priests of his time, who were more concerned about their looks and keeping up with the fashions than with their inner state and the quality of their life and message. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33

Today’s Oblate Rule states the same principle:

We are to avoid all luxury, all appearance of luxury, all immoderate gain and accumulation of possessions. Subject to the common law of labour, and each in his own way contributing to the support of the community and its apostolate, we gladly accept the fact of not having at our disposal the comforts we might like.

CC&RR, Constitution 21

 

“As I grew older, I realized that it was much better to insist on the genuine forms of nature, for simplicity is the greatest adornment of art.”    Albrecht Durer

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: BECOME THE SYMBOL

Posted on May 17, 2012 by franksantucci
The cross of Jesus Christ is central to our mission…

This is the focal point of the spirit of Eugene, handed on to the Mazenodian family today.

Through the eyes of our crucified Saviour we see the world which he redeemed with his blood, desiring that those in whom he continues to suffer will know also the power of his resurrection (cf. Phil 3: 10).

CC&RR, Constitution 4

 For this reason Eugene wanted the Missionary to have a special veneration for the symbol of the Cross, and to never be far from it:

They will often fix their eyes on this crucifix, take it in their hands, and while holding it direct toward it frequent short prayers.
They will kiss it in the morning when they hang it around their neck, and at night when they place it near their bed, before putting on and after taking off the priestly vestments, and every time they judge it appropriate to let someone else venerate it.

1818 Rule, Part Two, Chapter One. Regarding other principal observances

 Writing to his friend, Forbin Janson, he had said:

You would hardly believe the effect it produces and how useful it is. People accustomed to ecclesiastical attire are little impressed; but the crucifix to them is awesome. How often have I seen, even amongst libertines, some who, when they see it, cannot help removing their hats… It is useful to the priest in the confessional and, on the day of absolution, it helps the penitent, in whose hands we place it, to conceive sorrow for his sins, to detest them and even to weep because of them.

Letter to Forbin Janson, 9 October 1816, O.W. VI n. 14

 

 ”All that passes is raised to the dignity of expression; all that happens is raised to the dignity of meaning. Everything is either symbol or parable.”   Paul Claudel

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: THE ONLY POSSIBLE CREDENTIAL

Posted on May 16, 2012 by franksantucci

When an ambassador comes to a new country to represent his Head of State, he presents his “credentials” to the president or monarch of the new country where he is. For Eugene the Cross is the “credential” that shows that it is God who is sending the Missionary to be the co-operator of the Savior among the people to whom he is missioning.

This crucifix will serve as the credentials of their ambassadorship to be carried out by them among different peoples to whom they will be sent. 

The “credential” is a sign to others, and a reminder to the Missionary himself of his status of being constantly sent by the Savior:

It will not only inspire with respect the people whom they have to evangelize, but it will also be a perpetual reminder to the missionaries themselves of the humility, patience, charity, and all the other virtues which they are called upon to practice in the exercise of their most holy and inspiring ministry.

1818 Rule, Part Two, Chapter One. Regarding other principal observances

 Today, after a period of intense formation, the new Oblate receives his “credentials” to share in the Cross of Jesus, whose promises are his hope:

Novitiate formation ends with a free and faith-filled commitment in the Oblate Congregation. The novice, having experienced the Father’s love in Jesus, dedicates his life to making that love visible. He entrusts his fidelity to the one whose cross he shares, whose promises are his hope.

CC&RR, Constitution 59

 

“A witness, in the sense that I am using the word, is a man whose life and faith are so completely one that when the challenge comes to step out and testify for his faith, he does so, disregarding all risks, accepting all consequences.”   Whittaker Chambers

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: THE SYMBOL THAT TRANSFORMS

Posted on May 15, 2012 by franksantucci
Can I forget the bitter tears that the sight of the Cross brought streaming from my eyes one Good Friday?

Tears of sorrow because:

I had looked for happiness outside of God and for too long with resulting unhappiness.

Tears that changed into expressions of peace and joy as he realized how much God loved him:

Blessed, a thousand times blessed, that he, this good Father, notwithstanding my unworthiness, lavished on me all the richness of his mercy.

Retreat Journal, December 1814, O.W. XV n.130

 With that experience of God’s love for him on the Cross, Eugene’s life was transformed. The symbol of the Cross became the vehicle of the invitation of Jesus Christ to give “all for God” and to invite others to that same love. The Cross was the invitation to oblation and the sign of oblation.

Consequently, the only distinctive sign possible for the Missionary was the Cross:

Their only distinctive mark will be the crucifix, which is proper to their ministry. They will always wear on their chest, inserted in the cincture and it hanging from a cord to which it is attached.

1818 Rule, Part Two, Chapter One. Regarding other principal observances

 Today, “our only distinctive sign is the Oblate cross” (C64) because it was the only distinctive sign possible for Eugene:

The Oblate cross which is received at perpetual profession is a constant reminder of the love of the Saviour who wishes to draw all hearts to himself and sends us out as his co-workers.

CC&RR, Constitution 63

 It is beautiful to see that as people feel called to share in Eugene’s vision and mission as laity, as religious or as priests – it is the Oblate Cross that becomes the uniting and transforming symbol of their quest.

 

“Bear the Cross cheerfully and it will bear you.”    Thomas Kempis

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: LETTING THE STORY TAKE OVER

Posted on May 14, 2012 by franksantucci

The author Margaret Mahy speaks of the necessity to retreat from everyday activity “so the life of the story can take me over.” She continues: “That is why a writer often needs space and time, so that he or she can abandon ordinary life and “live” with the characters.”

Paraphrasing this helps me to understand the section on retreats in the 1818 Rule. Times of retreat were necessary for the Missionaries “so that they could abandon ordinary life and “live” with the Savior.”

Each year everyone will do ten days of retreat in complete solitude and strict silence. Likewise they will spend one day in retreat each month.

1818 Rule, Part Two, Chapter One. §5 On prayer and exercises of piety

 Today’s Rule of Life invites us all

To put ourselves increasingly at the service of God in his people, we will set aside special times each month and each year for deeper personal and community prayer, for reflection and renewal.
One week each year will be spent in retreat.
Fraternal gatherings and an exchange on apostolic experiences could well precede or follow the retreat.

CC&RR, Constitution 35

 

This is not an idle escapism and navel-gazing, but a necessity for the Missionary, who spends his life giving to others. he must allow “the life of the story to take him over” once again and to give him a renewed vision to be shared with recharged batteries and new enthusiasm.

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, Jesus said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”   Mark 6:31

 

“There are certainly times when my own everyday life seems to retreat so the life of the story can take me over. That is why a writer often needs space and time, so that he or she can abandon ordinary life and “live” with the characters.”   Margaret Mahy

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: PRAYING BACKWARDS THROUGH THE DAY

Posted on May 12, 2012 by franksantucci
Twice a day they will all make the examination of conscience in common; that is to say in the morning before dinner, and in the evening before going to bed.

1818 Rule, Part Two, Chapter Two.§1 On silence and recollection

 This was not all about sin – it was about growing closer to the values and example of Jesus Christ. It was about the inner vision and how focused the person was.

The midday examination was what is commonly known as “examen of consciousness” in spirituality. The Missionary would stop and review the previous 24 hours. He would take stock and see what had happened in his relationship with God, others and self. He was encouraged to focus on one Gospel value (virtue) and see how he had been living it and what it was calling him to.

In the evening, it was an examination of conscience on the day. The focus here was on weakness and failure. While asking forgiveness for sins committed, it was also an opportunity to renew the inner vision that had become unfocused through giving in to the demands of the ego.

Jesuit, Dennis Hamm, aptly describes this type of reflection as “Praying Backwards through Your Day.”

Today, Eugene’s call to self-awareness continues to be heard in our Rule of Life:

Examination of conscience is important in helping us become aware of the ways in which the Lord calls and is present to us throughout the day. In this examen, we evaluate the faithfulness of our response to him. Charged with proclaiming the joy of God’s pardon to the world and acknowledging our own sinfulness, we will have frequent recourse to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

CC&RR, Constitution 33

 “The Kingdom of God is within you”   Luke 17, 21

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: CONTEMPLATING THE MYSTERY WITH MARY

Posted on May 11, 2012 by franksantucci

“As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19

It was the pattern of Mary’s warm relationship with Jesus and her contemplation of his “virtues and example” that would be the model for the Missionary:

… the Blessed Virgin, to whom they will all have a special devotion and great affection. 
To this effect they will recite the rosary every day.

1818 Rule, Part Two, Chapter Two.§1 On silence and recollection

 Today:

 With Mary Immaculate, the faithful handmaid of the Lord, and under the guidance of the Spirit, we enter into closer union with Jesus Christ. We will contemplate with her the mysteries of the Incarnate Word, especially in praying the rosary.

CC&RR, Constitution 36

 

“When we have spiritual reading at meals, when we have the rosary at night, when we have study groups, forums, when we go out to distribute literature at meetings, or sell it on the street corners, Christ is there with us.”    Dorothy Day

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: LIKE MARY

Posted on May 10, 2012 by franksantucci

Mary’s encounter with the plan of God’s love for her had changed her life – just as Eugene’s encounter with God’s love had done. The Gospel of Luke narrates the response of Mary to the actions and words of her son: “His mother treasured all these things in her heart” Luke 2:51.

Similarly Eugene treasured the “virtues and examples of Jesus Christ” and pondered them in his heart and in this way his “inner vision” would be a source of meaning and of transformation for himself and for others.

During the day we will also make … a visit … to the Blessed Virgin, to whom we will all have a special devotion and great affection.

1818 Rule, Part Two, Chapter Two.§1 On silence and recollection

 Today, Mary continues to be this missionary model :

We shall always look on her as our mother. In the joys and sorrows of our missionary life, we feel close to her who is the Mother of Mercy.

CC&RR, Constitution 10

 Caryll Houselander captured this spirit when she referred to Mary as the “Reed of God” through which the music of the Incarnation took flesh. She wrote:

“It is the emptiness like the hollow in the reed…which can only have one destiny; to receive the piper’s breath and to utter the song that is in his heart.”

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: LIVING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Posted on May 9, 2012 by franksantucci

What worked for Eugene, he wanted to share so that it would work for others and lead them to the same quality of BEING.

The Rule thus continued with Eugene inviting his Missionaries to share in the same exercise of ongoing formation that worked powerfully for him – living in the awareness of being in God’s presence.

The entire life of the members of the Company must be one of continual recollection. 
To achieve this, they have the desire to be always aware of the presence of God, by frequently making short but fervent one-line prayers.

1818 Rule, Part Two, Chapter Two.§1 On silence and recollection

This topic is also dealt with above in the entries for November 26, 2010 ; September23-26, 2011 ; and October25 – November 2, 2011.

 

“Just remaining quietly in the presence of God, listening to Him, being attentive to Him, requires a lot of courage and know-how.”     Thomas Merton

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