On the Feast of All Saints, Eugene’s thoughts were with Pierre Aubert, who was making his lifetime oblation to God through pronouncing vows for life.
This kiss of peace and all the graces of the communion of saints went forth far and wide and reached as far as yourselves. I have no doubt, as the sacrifice [ed. the Mass] from which they flow was offered for you as for those present.
My joyful thoughts reached all the way to Pierre, our Benjamin, the youngest member of our family, who must this day leave childhood behind and grow up to the measure of the perfect man.
Letter to Jean Baptiste Mille and to the Fathers and Brothers at Billens, 1 November 1831, EO VIII n 406
When he says “the perfect man” Eugene refers to Ephesians 4:13 “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” This is the goal of the Oblate initial and ongoing formation process.
Pierre Aubert went on to live his oblation as a great missionary in Canada.
There is an immense truth to this, what it means to leave childhood behind – the perpetual vows, the commitments for life are more than a ‘promise’ until death – they go far beyond death – into new life. Our journey in the fullness of Christ kicking into high-gear.
Life itself deepens, our pace quickens even at the same time as it remains step-by-step. It will fill-out and eventually begin to slow down once again – the ebb and the flow of life itself. It is as if we have been swimming on and near the surface of a vast ocean riding the surf, battling the currents. Eventually the depths entice and invite us to allow ourselves to be carried, wrapped and embraced in a new way.
Convocation began last night – this immense coming together of Oblates and Oblate Associates from across the country, and from across the continents. What gifts of joy and grace .