Eugene’s desire to live close to God at all times, gave him a sense of serenity. His habit of constantly making himself aware of the presence of God, of living his oblation, gave him a confidence that, come what may, he was never abandoned by God in his life.
Let us continue to pray, my dear friend, and let us not cease to put our confidence in God. It is for him alone to rule and dispose all things according to his infinite wisdom for the greater glory of his name. I must admit that never in my life have I understood as well as now the value of self-surrender to God, never have I felt more disposed to put this virtue (for such it is) into practice as in the present circumstances. The true Christian should never dispense himself from this.
Oh! how well off I now find myself through having done all I could do to make a habit of it.
That does not prevent me from praying heartily to obtain what I think is good; on the contrary, I pray with more confidence, and with a kind of assurance that I will be heard.
Letter to Henri Tempier, 20 January 1826, EO VII n 219
“Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.” Martin Luther
Today I am reminded of the gift of perseverance, of being steadfast, and what that looks like. Eugene has remained in Rome, waiting, being there in case he is needed to defend his constitution, to answer questions, even to suggest to the Holy Father a possible way to shorten the entire process by having less Cardinals (three rather than 10) read the rules for approval. Risk and daring, being true to where he believed God wanted him to be. Here he is not crowing with success, but thanking God.
“… I pray with more confidence, and with a kind of assurance that I will be heard.” Here is Eugene and through the Church he has been affirmed by God. I can only imagine the strength he has received in hearing that the Holy Father has agreed to his suggestion. Has this ever occurred with me, in my life? What has it looked like? This was not a victory to be ‘crowed about’, but rather a strengthening to keep moving forward in quiet surety. This whole process has never been about Eugene digging in his heels, but rather of being open to suggestions and growth, of really standing opening and firmly. What has my stance been like? Has it been, is it all about me or something greater than just myself and my vision? A little of both.
“That does not prevent me from praying heartily to obtain what I think is good; on the contrary…” It is not about trying to use God to find some sort of victory, but rather in finding God in the struggle as we walk through and out of the darkness.