What more sublime purpose than that of their Institute!
He restates, in different words, the three foundation pillars of our vocation that he had written in our defining Article one.
NOTA BENE – TAKE NOTE! Their founder is Jesus Christ, the very Son of God
The Congregation has its origin in the call of Jesus – he is the Founder. Each Missionary forms part of this body because of an awareness of a personal invitation from Jesus Christ.
NOTA BENE – TAKE NOTE! their first fathers are the Apostles.
We are called into community. But not just as any community, but as a community that follows the example of the apostles. More than following , it is an insertion into the Gospel community of Jesus and the apostles and first disciples. It is a continuation of that community.
NOTA BENE – TAKE NOTE! They are called to be the Savior’s co-workers, the co-redeemers of mankind
The third pillar is the mission: that of leading people to the same experience of salvation that the Missionaries were living. Thus the short definition of the Missionary is: “co-operator of the Savior” – nothing less than a co-redeemer!
NOTA BENE. What more sublime purpose than that of their Institute!
I feel quite breathless every time that I meditate on these words. If we live this reality in a convincing way, what a missionary light our vocation calls us to! If we really live these words in their fullness, what a difference we would make to the world… NOTA BENE – TAKE NOTE!
I feel this morning as if I am on a guided reflection and as I look back I realise that is exactly where we are led. What a beautiful wake up call. So I walk with those words that I have heard many times before but which are in a new light this morning.
Jesus Christ himself is Founder. So intensely personal. This brings with it a new awareness as for a second I look at St. Eugene – SAINT Eugene –our Eugene who invited us to share with him in being a part of this body. We are invited by Jesus. Nota Bene I scribble for it is urgently important.
We are INSERTED (not walking into on our own but placed within) into the GOSPEL community with. We continue to be with… I understand the deep joy and gratitude of St. Paul – it resonates within me. Nota Bene.
The Mission – to help, as a co-worker in the mission of leading people to the same experience of Jesus, of salvation and becoming a Co-operator of the Savior. I see it in a new light of powerlessness this morning as I concentrate not on what I am unable to do, but rather on how closely I am held in my times of struggle. I think of Eugene in 1833 and on. Look Lord at who you have given to me to walk with. Nota Bene – called and chosen.
What a light our missionary vocation calls us to. This is most perfect – what God has called us to – what God has called me to. Nota Bene that my heart sings with wonder and joy – with gratitude. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exalts in God my Savior…