In recent weeks we have been exploring the first four constitutions of the Oblate Rule of Life – these articles CONSTITUTE us – they make us what we are. Let’s take a summary look at what they teach us.
The starting point of Mazenodian spirituality is the discernment of a CALL:
The call of Jesus Christ, heard within the Church through people’s need for salvation, draws us together as Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Christ thus invites us to follow him and to share in his mission through word and work. (Constitution 1)
It is a call that comes through becoming aware of PEOPLE’S NEED FOR SALVATION.
It is a call to follow Jesus to SHARE IN HIS MISSION of salvation. This is the only reason for being an Oblate and a member of the Mazenodian Family.
We are men “set apart for the Gospel” (Rom 1: 1), men ready to leave everything to be disciples of Jesus. (Constitution 2)
The model of our life becomes THE COMMUNITY OF THE APOSTLES WITH JESUS.
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). (Constitution 3)
This is the Mazenodian spirituality that we are called to live: companions and messengers of Jesus the Savior. As companions, Jesus formed the apostles, and continues to form us daily as His present companions. Every step of our lived relationship is a training to see the world through His eyes – the eyes of the Crucified and Risen Savior (Constitution 4). It is a formation to be workers of salvation. As messengers, we share what we experience “through word and work” and co-operate with the Savior.
It is all about salvation: ours and that of those who are most in need of salvation.
“You don’t create your mission in life – you detect it.” Viktor E. Frankl
This morning my reflections have been packed tightly, simply with taking in each word and savouring them, letting each word seduce and invite into leading me to look at how they are alive in my life, in my being. This morning I am reminded of who I am at the core of my being.
I find that I am still not used to thinking of myself in terms of ‘apostolic’ or helping another to salvation – for I am quite ordinary and do simply the myriad of small things and ways of being that is common to us all.
But to be ‘called’ to live as a companion and messenger of Jesus Our Savior: could life get any better. I think of how Jesus, how God has formed me – to be a companion (one who ‘breaks bread’ with) – bring it on Lord, bring it on. To think that every step of my life has been formation, training to where I am now looking out through the eyes of my most Beloved and living from that. For this we have been created; been formed and molded- to be a part of God’s salvation – not just the receiving end but coworkers – cooperators of Christ our Saviour. Immense and utter joy and gratitude. And then to be messengers and share that with the rest of the world – this is the essence of true life (at least for me).
And the joy of it is we are not called to do this alone – it is in ‘being’ with others and sharing what we are continuously given that our salvation is given life.
As I prepared the last few weeks for my Reflection on the the scriptures for the Feast of the Ascension I experienced hearing the readings come alive in a way that I have never heard before. It was like I had never read or listened to the words before. A total and utter gift from God. It is quite often like that now in my life particularly as a member of the Mazenodian Family, as an Oblate Associate. God has always called me, led me and formed me – but it has taken a very specific lens and focus for me to be aware and able to experience His call to life. Not a one time event but daily. To be so alive and full – I can only give thanks and somehow share this with others.
Yes, we are companions on the journey, we break bread together in so many ways. The bread of our lives, the bread at tables be that in our dining room or school hall or food line. We break the Word open and share the cup of solidarity. In the end, we are what we eat. And that is seen not so much by our words but by our works and our closeness with the people we serve and come to love. That was so it seems Paul’s style of ministry as found in today’s readings. Thanks/Blessings.