We are members of the prophetic Church…
This prophetic mission is carried out in communion with the Church, in conformity with the directives of the hierarchy and in dependence on our Superiors.
CC&RR, Constitution 9
Responding to the call of the Spirit, some Oblates identify themselves with the poor, sharing their life and commitment to justice; others are present where decisions affecting the future of the poor are being made.
In each case, a serious discernment in the light of ecclesiastical directives will be made and the Oblates concerned will receive their mission for this ministry from their Superiors.
CC&RR, Rule 9a
In all our ministries, prophetic voices must not be stifled. When they arise, they will be heard, tested, and supported
CC&RR, Rule 9b
In our missionary outreach to the poor the Oblate is always part of a community. Our Oblate vocation excludes “lone rangers” who “do their own thing” – however beneficial and inspiring “my” personal talents and “my” actions may be.
We fulfil our mission in and through the community to which we belong. Our communities, therefore, are apostolic in character.
CC&RR, Constitution 37
We are part of a community, and our community is part of the Church, and all Oblate outreach is meant to be done in communion.
The call of Jesus Christ, heard within the Church through people’s need for salvation, draws us together as Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
CC&RR, Constitution 1
“Our conviction that evangelization is not the work of lone rangers but is a community effort of the Oblates and the entire Christian community is grounded in the Gospel and our missionary practice. It is the Church who evangelizes and sends us forth on mission.” Declaration of the 1998 OMI General Chapter
This speaks on many levels to me for it means that there must be trust – trust in God, trust in the Church, trust in the community and trust in my Mazenodian Family. There must be trust that God will and does speak to me through and with them.
I note that this is not just ‘top-down’ decisions being made – it is not just a case of ‘my way or the highway’ – serious and prayerful discernment is a part of it all and then Rule 9b speaks of testing and supporting prophetic voices.
I look at what has been happening in Rome at the General Chapter with the election of the Superior General and his councillors. It was done in prayer and discernment – knowing and trusting the Holy Spirit was in their midst as they discerned and voted. I have a friend who is over there, taking part in all of it, working hard and taking the time to be with his brothers. I am happy for him that he is there taking part directly in all of this – just as we are taking part indirectly in it with our prayers and love and support.
Even my own little voice has been heard, tested and supported in ways that I would never have been able to dream of were I on my own. There is wonderful balance in these Rules of Life. These Rules of Life are I believe part of the reason that we are celebrating 200 years of there being Oblates of Mary Immaculate. How blessed we are to have them!