The central focus of Eugene’s life was his passionate relationship with Jesus the Savior, whose liberating presence he had experienced one Good Friday, and who remained with him throughout his life. His vision was constantly “through the eyes of his Crucified Savior” inviting him to the never-ending Resurrection presence. It is the vision he handed on to us when he brought us together as a missionary community 200 years ago.
The community of the Apostles with Jesus is the model of our life. Our Lord grouped the Twelve around him to be his companions and to be sent out as his messengers (cf. Mk 3:14). The call and the presence of the Lord among us today bind us together in charity and obedience to create anew in our own lives the Apostles’ unity with him and their common mission in his Spirit.
CC&RR, Constitution 3
The founding vision can be summarized as a communal keeping company with the Crucified and Risen Savior and inviting others to the same experience. “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them “ (Mt 18:20) It is a community experience of the presence of the Savior as baptized Christians, as family, as members of a group of associates, as vowed Oblates.
Our founding vision is to come together to be WITH Jesus as his COMPANIONS, and to keep him PRESENT among us as we celebrate and invite others to the same unity with him. This is what being an apostolic MISSIONARY community is about.
“People who have known the joy of God point each other to flashes of light here and there, and remind each other that they reveal the hidden but real Presence of God. They discover that there are people who heal each other’s wounds, forgive each other’s offenses, share their possessions, foster the spirit of community, celebrate the gifts they have received, and live in constant anticipation of the full manifestation of God’s Glory.” Henri Nouwen
Sometimes, like his morning, I wonder and question myself if what I am about is as described here by Frank. Sometimes there are no tangible road signs or maps, and I wonder if I am missing the mark. My being is able to respond to what Henri Nouwen describes – in fact he could be writing about me, about my experiences of life. I go back though to the statement: “… and invite others to the same unity with him. This is what being an apostolic MISSIONARY community is about.” How do I invite? Do I invite? If I do it is most likely implicit rather than plainly expressed.
I receive a brief glance of who I am this morning an here are some moments of disquiet within me as I recognize quite clearly some of my own woundedness. Do I give to and support my community or do I simply take? Is it to fill my own needs or the needs of the other? And how to I help my community of Oblate Associates to thrive and grow? Do I feed others or do I work it so that I am fed? Am thinking it must be both.