During this bicentenary year we continue to reflect on its meaning for us. It has to be a meaning that is focused on how the present and the future build on the past. In the coming weeks I would like to explore how we express Eugene’s founding vision today in our Rule of Life. The “Constitutions and Rules” (CC&RR), to give them their formal title, are the way in which the vision and spirituality of St Eugene, as lived out and developed over 200 years, aims to respond to the needs of today’s world.
What Eugene wrote in 1818 still applies today:
But it is not enough for them simply to be convinced of the sublime nature of the ministry to which they have been called. The example of the saints and reason itself make it amply clear that the success of such a holy undertaking as well as the maintenance of discipline in any society make certain rules of life absolutely necessary for unity of thought and action among the members. Such unity is a body’s strength, keeping up its fervour and insuring that it lasts.
Preface
Yes, they are written primarily for the Missionary Oblates as our Rule of Life. No, they are not exclusively for us. They become a guide for all who follow Eugene’s charism to be able to enter into the spirituality that he offers us. I will reflect with you on the first ten Constitutions because they contain a summary of Eugene’s charism and spirituality for today. From this source, each member of the Mazenodian Family can draw nourishment, in accordance with his or her connection with Eugene.
“Let us receive these Constitutions and Rules anew, with fresh enthusiasm, so that our Congregation will be united, strong and zealous in the mission to preach the Gospel to the poor and most abandoned….. I ask Mary Immaculate’s intercession upon the entire Congregation, that by living these Constitutions and Rules, we may grow in holiness of life and missionary zeal as Saint Eugene desired.”
Fr. Louis Lougen OMI, Superior General
What a grace it is this morning to be here in this sacred space. I am at this moment a mixture of hope and delight, wonder and gratitude. As I read the lines from the Preface I see them in a new light – not entirely new but somehow, more deeply than I have before. I think for a moment of the 12 Steps and Traditions of AA that were given to me when I first joined AA. At first they seemed impossibly long and demanding; unattainable for one such as myself. But thankfully I was drawn to them and had a huge community to help me to understand and support me as they became deeply rooted within me – now a part of who I am and how I live.
At first I struggled greatly with the Constitutions and Rules (CC&RR) – much more than 12 steps – a whole book. My spirit balked but it was the Preface which excited me. And just as I had done with the 12 Steps, I began to do with this Rule of Life (which sounds much more inviting and attractive than Constitutions and Rules); I began to read and reflect on them as they arose in writings, reflections and studies. I found that many of them could apply to me and my life even though I am not a ‘Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate’. It’s odd but as I write this I think of the many people who heard of Jesus and God from the apostles in those first early years. They lived far from Jerusalem and indeed were not Jewish and yet they followed the likes of John and Peter and Paul, first missionaries. They were drawn and invited to become a part of what we now call ‘Christians’ and the ‘Church’. Not the same as the apostles, but a part of their way of living as called by God.
My heart has once again been invaded, touched and transformed by a way of life that has become central to my existence. It is a ‘living’ thing. Here I am this morning, rejoicing in and giving thanks for more than I put words to.
Thank Frank, I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks of reflections. Stay warm in the cold N.E.
Yesterday I talked with someone who I can only call a true friend and who gave me an explanation of sorts of the subtle differences, nuances between the ‘constitutions’ and ‘rules’. I had never thought much about it but noticed how from time to time how I struggled with the word rule and not so much with the word constitutions.
I think at one point I had decided that I would be able to pick and choose which ones I would follow, which ones I would be open to. Sort of like walking into a candy store and choosing some of the red ones and maybe the orange ones but not the black ones or the green ones. I laugh at myself because I was viewing everything through a rather narrow and limited lens. Rather than being open to this AND that, I was opting for this OR that. When that happens I just don’t get the full picture, all of the graces and joy and love that is offered.
A year ago when I read this I was seeing it from a slightly less than open heart, trying to pick and choose what I would like and deal with. I completely missed the last few words that Frank had written and so was not aware of a piece of the gift his reflection offered to all of us. I was still holding on to a part of my heart that was small and limited, with walls that though they had cracks and holes in them, were not yet free and open. Frank wrote “Yes, they are written primarily for the Missionary Oblates as our Rule of Life. No, they are not exclusively for us. They become a guide for all who follow Eugene’s charism to be able to enter into the spirituality that he offers us.”
It was not the Oblates or the Church or any other who has had to let go and be free – it has been myself. It is not about some lines and walls that others erect but rather about the ones of my own that I sometimes unknowingly erect. Measurements and qualifications will not work. It is most certainly not a matter of who will give the most of themselves to God, but rather who we will walk with as we give our all in oblation to God.
We get to choose. At our church, like at so many others, we often say “All are welcome.” There should not be any codicils or qualifications silently added to that. “From this source, each member of the Mazenodian Family can draw nourishment, in accordance with his or her connection with Eugene.”