I HAVE THE HAPPINESS OF RECEIVING COMMUNION EVERY DAY, WHICH CONSOLES ME IN MY LONG AND SORROWFUL INFIRMITY

A reflection on where to look for strength and consolation in time of sickness and difficulty.

“The convalescence required calm, tranquility and rest. The Founder could not enjoy it either at Aix or at Marseilles. The orders of the doctors and of Father Tempier obliged him to retire to Grans, to the house of his uncle, M. Joannis, the converted Jansenist. Father Jeancard kept company with the venerable patient, whose weakness was extreme. For several weeks he could not celebrate Mass. Father Jeancard served him as chaplain, celebrated Mass in his presence, and gave him Holy Communion.”

Rey 1 p 473

Must I speak to you of my health? I improve slowly and while it remains impossible on account of my weakness to offer the Holy Sacrifice, I have the happiness of receiving communion every day, which consoles me in my long and sorrowful infirmity.

Letter to Henri Tempier, 16 July 1829, EO VI n 333

Here, and in many writings, Eugene refers to the anchor and source of strength of his daily life: the Eucharist.

The highpoint of his day was his time of becoming physically and spiritually united with his Savior at daily Mass and in intimate communion in his evening quiet prayer (oraison). This continues to be reflected in our Rule of Life today:

The Eucharist, source and summit of the Church’s life, is at the heart of our life and action. We will live such lives as to be able worthily to celebrate it every day…. In gratitude for this great Eucharistic gift, we will seek the Lord often in his sacramental presence.”   CC&RR Constitution 33

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1 Response to I HAVE THE HAPPINESS OF RECEIVING COMMUNION EVERY DAY, WHICH CONSOLES ME IN MY LONG AND SORROWFUL INFIRMITY

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    As can often happen coming here to this space each morning, I want to shout out loud – in joy and in thanksgiving even while being in full awareness of my own shortcomings and how I can often try to sabotage myself in the very times that I seem to be at my lowest. In coming here I am reminded to look at myself, where I am at, and to give thanks that I am so loved and offered so many opportunities for life.

    I can readily identify in some ways with what Eugene was going through. But then I begin to tell myself that he was really sick, that he was really dying and so his pain was much greater than mine; but then I stop that – comparing and measuring will shut me down rather than help me to be open and grow. We each of us have our own pain and darkness to deal with.

    I think for a moment of my periods of contemplation each morning and night. They are the base, the foundation that I move from as I enter into my day and into my night. However the last few months I have been lax in taking part in the daily Eucharist; I cannot give any good reasons, only some little excuses that are really quite unworthy. I miss going to daily Mass, my spirit, my being misses this gift.

    I silently read Constitution 33 and again my spirit leaps with joy – it resonates within me. The word fidelity comes to mind. So today – today I will take my place in the daily celebration of the Eucharist. Have mercy on me Lord.

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