Becoming fully what the eight points of the “identikit”of the opening paragraph hold out is the aim and result of living fully according to the Rule. Not only individually, but the Rule gives clear identity, unity and strength to the whole body of Missionaries and assures its continuation and fruits in the lives of those they minister to.
The example of the saints and reason itself make it clear that it is necessary, in order to maintain good order in a Society, to establish certain rules of life that unite all its members in a common practice and a common spirit; it is this that gives the body its strength, maintains its fervour and insures that it endures.
Avant propos, Règle de 1818, Missions, 78 (1951) p.11
I think for a moment of the ‘Ten Commandments’ – given to Moses – an ancient ‘Rule of Life’ – perhaps the first. It carried first of all the Jewish people for over a thousand years and continues today throughout the world for peoples of many religions – Jews and Christians.
And we – the members of this Mazenodian Family have today a more specific ‘Rule of Life’ – that does not eclipse, replace or lessen the Commandments, but rather accompanies, enhances, solidifies, incarnates the specific gift of the Holy Spirit given to Eugene de Mazenod – the OMI Constitutions and Rules written for the Oblates – the first one in 1818; and which is now shared with all members of the Mazenodian Family.
Yes we have 10 Commandments of which we are all aware – a fundamental part of our lives – the seeds and the first fruits. Some of us also received additional guidance in the 12 Steps of AA (and other programs). And for members of the Oblate congregation, for all members of the Mazenodian Family, we are given a Rule of Life that will be like a ‘beating heart’ in how we live out the first and which draw us together and then gives us the way – we in turn are sent out to others and share the gifts of our lives. God. Only God could have ordained something so intricate, so delicate, so magnificent.
“Rules of life that unite all [of us who are] members in a common practice and a common spirit.”