Faced with uncertainty about his future when the French government would take action against him, Eugene places his trust in God for the future.
… There is no need of regrets when one has done one’s best. God makes use even of human mistakes to achieve his purpose. I do not know what he expects of me; all I know is that he governs with his wisdom those whose sole purpose is to work for his glory. I am attracted by the thought of peace and quiet. I have good reason to be weary of human injustice. And so I act accordingly, in view of my soul’s good, even though I should obtain it for a time only. If God has decided differently, he will direct events and bend the will of his creatures in such a way as to achieve his ends.
For my own part, I will gladly retire to the seminary at Marseilles, where I can be of some use to the young ecclesiastics who must be formed in the knowledge and practice of the virtues of their state; I will keep up my ministry to the sick, with its consolations, and I will live in obscurity, as is my deepest wish.
…We who call upon the Lord must find our consolation above all in the thought that we are guided all unseen by his Providence. Today’s breviary shows us that trials are a good sign and encourage us to trust in God’s good pleasure in us.
Letter to Henri Tempier, 24 October 1833, EO VIII n 469
I have read this letter from Eugene to Tempier a few times before but never in the light that shines this morning. There is a new freedom that comes as I go deeper with St. Eugene.
“I do not know what he expects of me; all I know is that he governs with his wisdom those whose sole purpose is to work for his glory.”
I do not know what God expects of me – even as he continues to fill me with dreams and desires. I am simply one of many who God has called to work, to serve, for his glory. The word “missionary” comes to mind and I am reminded for a moment of the reading from Isaiah on this past Sunday: the second part that ends with “Here am I; send me!” I have always connected with Isaiah but to see Eugene in the light of this piece – a light which then shines on each of us. Quiet delight.
“We who call upon the Lord must find our consolation above all in the thought that we are guided all unseen by his Providence. Today’s breviary shows us that trials are a good sign and encourage us to trust in God’s good pleasure in us.”
I think of my thoughts throughout the days – the breaths of my being; asking the Lord to have mercy on me. The Lord does not tire hearing that – his response is always to
take me by the hand and lead me. Eugene’s words about the breviary – it from this that small points of delight burst forth for I have begun to find moments of joy in praying that each morning. Over the past year I have slowly come to love the breviary – another new freedom – a small gift.
There is delight this morning as I read this through. The delight, the joy comes in part from not having to carry the load, any load on my own; and with being able to connect with him who invites me to walk with him and the members of his family.
Thank you for sharing with us the piece of deep wisdom. It speaks to me this day.