Awareness of our own shortcomings humbles us, yet God’s power makes us confident as we strive to bring all people – especially the poor – to full consciousness of their dignity as human beings and as sons and daughters of God.
CC&RR, Constitution 8
The sound of Eugene’s first sermon in the Madeleine church to the most abandoned of Aix continues to echo across the centuries:
Come now and learn from us what you are in the eyes of faith.
Poor of Jesus Christ, afflicted, wretched, suffering, sick, covered with sores, etc., all you whom misery oppresses, my brothers, dear brothers, respected brothers, listen to me.
You are God’s children, the brothers of Jesus Christ, heirs to his eternal kingdom, chosen portion of his inheritance; you are, in the words of St. Peter, a holy nation, you are kings, you are priests, you are in some way gods, You are gods, children of the Most High.
So lift up your spirits, that your defeated souls may breathe, grovel no longer on the ground: You are gods, children of the Most High. (Ps. 81:6).
Notes for the first instruction in the Church of the Madeleine, 2013, EO XV n. 114
“In a very real way, the poor are our teachers. They show us that people’s value is not measured by their possessions or how much money they have in the bank. A poor person, a person lacking material possessions, always maintains his or her dignity. The poor can teach us much about humility and trust in God.” Pope Francis
“Come now and learn from us what you are in the eyes of faith.” What amagnificent invitation! ‘Come now, see who you are through the eyes of the crucified Saviour.’
“Come now and learn from us what you are in the eyes of faith.’ Today I head down to a retreat centre, joining other members of the Mazenodian Family on our district retreat. A week focused on the Cross – a time of grace.
Also this week – the beginning of the 36th General Chapter of the Congregation. “Evangelizatur pauperibus misit me” I sit here silently repeating the words above from Constitution 8.
I think of the Readings from scripture at yesterday’s Mass. Looking for something which has been lost, finding it and celebrating. That which has been given to us we strive to share and give to others. God’s timing is magnificent!