Continuing to teach his young charges how to grow strong in the midst of negative influences, Eugene refers to the scandal-filled and destructive atmosphere of some sections of Aix “society”:
When unavoidably in this environment, particularly if they find themselves in the middle of this noisy society teeming with scandals…
He shows them the attitude that they should have in order to grow strong and not be unduly influenced:
… they will frequently become aware of the presence of God and will offer him all their love in reparation for the outrages that He is receiving from so many ungrateful people, for whom He has nevertheless shed all His blood.
They will also make frequent prayers to Him, to prevent the contagious air that they are breathing from cooling and even extinguishing the fire of charity which must constantly burn in them.
Règlements et Statuts de la Congrégation de la Jeunesse, 1813, p. 21
Since Eugene’s own conversion experience, he had learnt to look at others as persons for whom Jesus had shed all his blood. His ministry as a missionary was to make these persons aware of this life-giving reality. For Christians, the key to justice is found in this attitude.
“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” W. Nelson
On the face of it – it all looks pretty “old fashioned” and strict. However I find there is real value in what St. Eugene was saying – even in today’s world. It is so easy for us, (specially when we are new to something) to enter into events and groups of people whose very focus is different from ours – we often find ourselves picking-up and adopting the life-style that we are surrounded by without even trying. However if we can find a way to keep our focus true and strong and remain who we “truly are” then we will be okay. It could be something as simple as saying the name of Jesus to myself and staying with that for a moment or two, or by having a quick little chat with my God and bringing him into the picture – making it “we instead of just me”. Who and what do I surround myself with?
Well, yes, the language of the text reflects the moment and our language ought to reflect this moment in our lives.
So what I would call this is Mindfulness. Am I attentive to my surrounding and then able to respond to the situation at hand.
The key is the practice of awareness.
Attentive to your breath, the mantra of prayer, the gate of our steps, the colour of the tangerine we are pealing. What ever it maybe. All are windows of grace of a God of imminence and transcendence.