200 YEARS AGO: PREACHING –  SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL FOR GOD

It goes without saying that it is never permitted to receive even the least recompense for preaching, or the administration of the sacraments, or any other ministry.

1818 Rule Part 1, Chapter 3, §1 Preaching

The Missionary co-operator of the Savior must imitate the example of the apostles:

“Give as freely as you have received! Don’t take any money in your money belts– no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.”

Matthew 10:8-10

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1 Response to 200 YEARS AGO: PREACHING –  SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL FOR GOD

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    A thought as I wrestle about being paid for something – for this is not just about Oblate priests or the apostles of old. When we do something good, or when we serve others – do we look at why we are doing it. Do we measure and count?

    I think of Mary and of Jesus himself; of those first disciples who heard Jesus call their names and so they followed him. I think of Eugene who had an experience of God, who met our crucified Saviour and whose response was to love without measure. I think of the many members of the Mazenodian Family who do that today – preaching with words and with their lives – in a response of love, without measure. Oblation.

    My own response to love – not thought-out or calculated. It is more truthful to say that my heart has been bedazzled by love and I simply walk within that light, follow that light as best I can.

    At the end of the day I do not look and see that I have done something beautiful for God – at least not something to brag or boast about. But I do see it in others.

    Eugene lived out from his experience of “when His eyes met mine”. Eugene’s life was a gift to God – his response to love was to give himself in love to God – a gift – something beautiful for God. Even as I write this it is as if I am looking out upon others, seeing a whole lot of something beautiful for God.

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