Jesus taught that “the worker is worthy of his hire” and that the missionary must trust in divine providence. This providence does not fall out of the skies, but comes through the generosity of benefactors. Fr. Courtès, in Aix, had told Eugene of the inheritance left to the Oblates from a supporter.
I am indeed quite grateful, my dear Courtès, to this excellent Madame de Grimaldi for having thought of the poor missionaries of whom no one thinks, as if they ought to live on air, so spiritual they are supposed to be. The said lady was well known to me…
I admit I would not have expected this kind remembrance on the part of this departed soul. The amount, as you say, is not considerate but it makes a good example, for I am certain that it was not in anyone’s mind that it was only right, or even possible, to leave something to men who surely lack nothing, since they do everything gratuitously.
Letter to Hippolyte Courtès, 10 October 1826, EO VII n 256
“It’s important to think good, speak good, and do good. If we want to see positive change in the world, then we need to connect to goodness.” Shari Arison
I am thinking this morning of how Eugene and those early Oblates had to trust that God would fill their needs, would provide for them in all the ways that were needed to live, not just the “spiritual” side of things. It is thus today I am sure in many ways and places. But today – if I look at my own life today, where do I sit with myself? I spent much of my life worrying about and working to earn enough to feed and take care of myself (and I had more than plenty that I did not always share) – of thinking of myself. I have been generous with others, but do I judge perhaps that ‘some’ have enough or are less deserving than others?
It takes courage to put ourselves into the hands of God and trust that God will provide all that we need – not just spiritual things but everything. I am not called to judge anyone, simply to share what I have without conditions or expectations, with all who have less, where there is a need. I must look at the part that I must play and not leave it up to anyone else. ‘Without measure’. Not an altogether comfortable thought.