In 1820 Eugene and the Missionaries had participated in a city-wide mission in Marseilles. They were entrusted with the three poorest parishes of the city
Only Marseilles looked with indifference on the noteworthy service rendered to three of its poorest and most populous parishes by my Congregation during the great mission we gave together with some other missionaries from outside, who apparently produced more noise than fruit in the more fashionable quarters of the city. Our labors among the people of St. Lawrence, the Grand-Carmes and St. Victor went unnoticed. Yet I did not spare myself. Undoubtedly, the good people were not insensitive to our zealous efforts; no, they were not and they proved it to us in the course of our ministry.
Three years later Eugene came to live in the city as Vicar General of his uncle, Bishop Fortuné.
But I must admit that the rest of the city failed to make that recognition unanimous, because less than three years later, all had been forgotten when I was welcomed like a foreign invader, although I came with my hands full of blessings, and my mind full of plans inspired by divine grace, all of them useful, most advantageous, and most necessary for the spiritual welfare and happiness of this city and of the whole diocese.
Eugene de Mazenod’s Diary, 31 March 1839, EO XX
I suspect that Eugene wrote as many of us might think and feel. Filled with passion, he may have seemed threatening to those who heard him. Treated with push-back from the very people he came to serve because they were comfortable in being where they were at in life, because they did not want to be disturbed or to have to change. Silence can speak volumes when it means that another is not acknowledged or affirmed.
For a moment I silently sing the lyrics of Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar; Jesus in the Garden – preparing in a deeper way to give his very life for those who had seen him heal and perform miracles. I look again at who Eugene insisted on using as the model of life and love.
Who among us do not want to feel like we have made some kind of difference? Who among us might be tempted to say – that’s it – I give up – nobody wants to hear this message that I bring… And yet we continue for one or a couple of others just as did Jesus and his disciples, as did Eugene along with all of his sons and daughters.
This morning’s gift invites me to look at my own life – when have I not acknowledged others, when have I not thanked them for who they are and all that they offer. Like Eugene I do not want to allow my heart to become hardened.