Eugene certainly drew the crowds through his style of preaching. Marius Suzanne, who was a novice in 1820 during the mission in Aix, described Eugene’s technique of communicating the Savior, and the reaction of his listeners:
The following Tuesday I attended the morning sermon at the Metropolitan Church of St. Sauveur. If I was astonished by the extraordinary crowd of people of all ages, both men and women, who had gathered since four thirty, I was even more so by the discourse that Fr. de Mazenod gave us.
You cannot imagine, my dear friend, the soft and flowing eloquence of this man of God. He does not seek to shock, to make sinners tremble and to terrify them. He works his way into the soul without effort, and awakens the most tender feelings there. Something pure and soft that flows from his heart fills you and refreshes you with that heavenly dew that the Prophet speaks about. You forget him entirely.
He was explaining in Provençal the first words of the Lord’s Prayer. He developed them with such facility, he expressed himself with a wealth of feelings so natural and so touching that we were moved to tears. They indeed flowed from all eyes, softly and quietly.
A great number of sinners were converted. Three courtesans [ed: prostitutes who attract wealthy clients], among others, made their confession that same evening.
SUZANNE M., Quelques lettres sur la mission d’Aix ,Chez Pontier,
Imprimeur-libraire, Aix, 1820, p. 6-7.
Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ. Billy Graham
(Note this entry was published in a different context above on 14 January 2011)
Once again I am a little awed and have come back several times before responding. “He does not seek to shock, to make sinners tremble and to terrify them. He works his way into the soul without effort, and awakens the most tender feelings there. Some thing pure and soft that flows fromhis heart fills you and refreshes you ….” Marius was describing Eugene speaking and yet as I read it I thought – oh that’s not just the way it is listening to Eugene – that is my experience of God. As I mentioned earlier (yesterday or the day before) Eugene giving his all and allowing God to work through him. There is an “of course it is God” in there – but it struck me so strongly today as I read this.
To be followed by the quote from Billy Graham: “Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.” Several ways to take this on a couple of levels – one of course that is glaringly obvious. One that leads to a small aha moment of soft gratitude and tremendous hope.
My day here in Vancouver has been a full one with all the joy and laughter that comes with two sisters sharing everything together after a long time apart. It’s been another day of grace in many ways, and although it is late in the day here I think I shall take this with me to bed tonight. A perfect way to end the day.
Thanks Frank for allowing yourself to be used by God (another Cooperator) and share this with us and invite us to see where takes us. Part of our/my ongoing conversion.
The image that this posting provokes, and although Eugene I’m sure could be full of fire and passion for that is who he was, he was also filled with the love of God and so full of incredible tenderness patience. And although God can and does give us the awe-inspiring ‘fireworks’ of passion in nature, art and in each of us, God comes in whispers wrapped in tenderness and unlimited patience. He strengthen and reinforces with velvet bands of steel so as to withstand the strongest of attacks.
I came here, on the face of it, to study a piece of art and to my great surprise I have spent many hours of and on pondering and writing my response and thoughts to it. In it I have found myself and everyone else. It is the story that can be found in each of our lives. In between there have been long moments of quiet and listening, and a profound sense of gratitude for all that I am given. There is to a sense of preparation, of strengthening as I prepare to be ‘sent’ out.
God your call continues unabated, all that has gone before seems but a preparation for what is to come. Armed only with love, how do I slay the dragon with love and understanding – oh yes but also with truth and wisdom. Fill me with the courage and daring of St. Eugene, fill me with the truth and wisdom that comes with your love. I think of Eugene’s words: “…my dear brothers, my respected brothers…” I would but add the words ‘and sisters’ to each part of that phrase. Working with, each special but needing the other in order to be complete.
It seems I have started. St Eugene pray for me.