“Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21)
The Gospel proper to this feast of St Eugene de Mazenod (Luke 4:16-21) narrates the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus: “God has sent me to bring the Good News to the poor.” This is the Gospel text that stood out for Eugene, and which he made part of himself and incarnated and lived for the rest of his life. Today it continues to be the guiding motto of the Mazenodian Family, especially given as a testament among his dying words:
Among yourselves, charity, charity, charity … and outside, zeal for the salvation of souls.
Icon by Oblate Partner, Lauretta Agolli
Today we recall the example of how he lived this text, in 1814, when brought the comfort of the Gospel and the Sacraments to the Austrian prisoners who were dying of the typhus epidemic. He not only ministered and assisted them in their suffering, but he also caught the illness himself and was on the point of death. Countless examples can be remembered during the many years that he was a bishop in Marseilles, his inspired leadership and pastoral care gave help and hope to those who were suffering from the repeated cholera epidemics.
Throughout his life he showed compassion and care for the poor, the sick and all who were regarded as the most abandoned. Today, he continues to inspire and to intercede for us in our time of need.
May we be open to hear the Good News of salvation again today, and to give flesh to it in our dealings with those most in need around us. Let us become the “Good News” of salvation!
Happy feastday to all the members of the Mazenodian Family!
This morning I have sat here with Eugene – yes our Eugene and we have silently reminisced as people do when they have been together for a long time. Sitting watching all of life before us. Not really just him and I, for the porch that we sit on is filled so many others – we are all doing the same thing. We sit together with Eugene and all who come to this place to simply be.
“God has sent me to bring the Good News to the poor…” What does that look like – the Good News? These words are not empty; they are not simply a nice pious sentiment. Now more than perhaps ever before, in this time of pandemic – world-wide upheaval and change we need to receive and be a part of the “Good News”.
I remember being on a retreat quite a few years ago; after each presentation the retreat master would send us away with what I called ‘homework’ – texts to sit and pray with, to reflect on and respond to. One day the question put forth for us to ponder was something to the effect of “how do I become a living Gospel?” I had no idea but I instinctively knew that was what I wanted to be – a living Gospel – in the light of Eugene de Mazenod.
O Eugene – the fires that you have lit within me!
“May we be open to hear the Good News of salvation again today, and to give flesh to it in our dealings with those most in need around us. Let us become the “Good News” of salvation!” This morning the words are not a question; they are the ongoing invitation. No hesitation this time; yes! From deep within that one, lived word – yes. It is a quiet glance shared with Eugene, shared with each other as we sit together watch the fireworks of our labours.
O Eugene, the fires that you continue to light within us!
Happy Feast Day to you Eugene, Happy Feast Day to all who are a part of this beautiful family!
Beautiful. Thank you father