We are a missionary Congregation.
CC&RR, Constitution 5
This simple statement is so rich in meaning! It always makes me think of how when we have an experience of something significant, we instinctively want to tell others about it. It is almost as if the experience is not complete unless shared. Mission is like sharing a small flame and seeing it light up the lives of many others and transforming them.
Our missionary model of Jesus and the apostles (Constitution 3) is precisely this. The apostles lived a particular experience with Jesus – that of salvation – and were sent out out to share this with others and invite them to participate.
St. Eugene experienced the transforming salvific love of Jesus on the Cross, and spent the rest of his life leading others to his same experience. This year we celebrate two hundred years of his foundation of the Oblates to dedicate their lives to experiencing the love of the Savior, and to becoming His missionaries. We are being privileged to have the opportunity to marvel at the missionary zeal of the Oblates and the Mazenodian Family throughout the world – and how this unquenchable faith in our mission has changed the lives of so many. Let each of us give thanks today!
“A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” Mahatma Gandhi
There are markers throughout our lives, some of them big and some of them small. Regardless though of the size they shape us and we tend to remember them – sometimes in great detail and other times there is only an outline without the shading drawn in. I almost think that if we try to keep these experiences to ourselves they do not have a lot of life and eventually will wither and die. There is not the same kind of ‘life’ if we do not share it with another(s) – there are times for both.
This morning – here in this place I continue to read over what Frank has written – and marvel at his words – how he shares with us what he has received and lives for it expresses what is in my heart. And just as I was fired-up this past weekend with the readings from he scriptures about Jesus and the apostles and about mission, and just as I continue to be fired-up with the words and life of Eugene, so I am with Frank’s statements. I find myself thinking of the small ways that I might share this with those I meet and know. INdeed this is how I can live and be and grow. Most gratefully it is not alone with with others, with community and with those that I see and recognize before me.
I can only echo what Frank and the many missionaries who have gone before me have taught and shared. There is great joy this morning whose other face is gratitude. I give thanks for all of you for being a part of my life.
To be so loved by God, to be so blessed….