As Eugene stresses that the most important aspect of the life of the young persons is to be followers of Jesus Christ, he reminds them to acknowledge this, whatever the consequences. It recalls how, for two hundred years, many of Eugene’s Oblate sons were to put these words into practice at the cost of martyrdom.
Art. 22. And recognizing that the most honourable title for them is that of being Christians, they will courageously defy the lack of human respect from malicious persons and, far from being ashamed to openly profess their faith, they will always and everywhere neglect no opportunity to edify all those with whom they come into contact.
Statuts, Chapitre XII §1
As we celebrate the martyrdom of the young Spanish Oblates of Pozuelo, we cannot help but realize how prophetic this teaching of Eugene’s was. They teach us the full meaning of the concept of oblation
For further information on these martyrs, refer to http://omipostulationen.weebly.com/spanish-martyrs.html
Today, the feast of Simon and Jude, two martyrs who we know little of, but the fruits of their labor continue to bear fruit.
As I sit with this reading two things come to me. “neglect no opportunity to edify all those with whom they come into contact.” What does this mean when we are one with and may be seen as the poor, the broken, the sick and alienated from both in society and church? Do we lift up and edify those we live with and minister to? And if we do, will society and church find us counter-cultural and undermining long held human traditions?
Eugene speak of finding new modes of ministry and presence when the present structures are not present. I think the word is integrity and as we look at those who have gone before us, they have paved the way to be with and lift up those whose desire is to live, love and be of service to other.
Today I seem to be focusing on the word “Oblation”, with a capital “O”. Yesterday I spent much of the day with many people from L’Arche and saw how they live their “Oblation” every day in the not so small and ordinary. At the end of the day I rejoiced simply because in the face of such love and beauty their is nothing left to do but rejoice.
My own “Oblation” – certainly not the stuff of the early Oblates with Eugene, or those who came to Canada and endured incredible hardships, nor the stuff of the Spanish martyrs who literally gave of their lives. I have not given up a life of wealth and fortune or an incredibly successful career. Truth – I never had that stuff to begin with. But I have given my all, as puny and as ordinary as I am. It has not been perfectly given, simply given. And although it was not earth shattering it has altered the world somehow. I would be hard-pressed to tell you what that even looks like, for I see only that what I can look back on, in very ordinary circumstances and see your hand there, your face or your voice. You use me as you will and for that I am grateful.
I rejoice today, this Sunday, as the rest of the world sleeps and rests that you love me as you do. This humble offering of myself that you treat and receive as if it were the most precious gift that could ever be offered. Today I shall live out my gift to you by giving thanks and rejoicing. May I see and touch you in all I meet today.