The six missionaries who were on their way to establish the first Oblate mission in Canada were human and certainly not perfect. Eugene, as the father of this family, was aware of this and gives them advice on how to live as a united religious family.
Be of one mind; put up with each other. Even though something be not to your liking, take care not to grumble. Communicate the observations that you believe useful, but mildly, not contentiously or bitterly. If they are not adopted, keep your peace and do not swerve from obedience.
Never make personal remarks, never be touchy, let there be candour, frankness, simplicity, mildness and especially charity, “everything done in love”.
In case of need, communicate with me confidentially but only after ruminating the matter at the foot of the crucifix, without prejudice, without exaggeration.
We are all members of one body, let each strive by every means and by making sacrifices, if he must, for the well-being of this body and the growth of all its potential.
I do not know why I remind you of these things. I am quite aware of the fine spirit which animates you. It is just that I enjoy conversing with you about what we hold in common.
Letter to the first Oblates leaving for Canada, 9 October 1841, EO I n 9
Good human and fatherly advice that calls us to a reflection on our own relationships today.
“See how these Christians love one another and are even ready to die for one another.” Tertullian in the 2nd century.
“It is just that I enjoy conversing with you about what we hold in common.” This is what it is all about, the root, the foundation of our very selves with God and then spreading out from there.
I think of why I come here every morning to begin my day: yes with God – always with God but also to converse with all who enter this sacred place with God as our centre. Community – is this not a part of how we were created to be? With God and from there with each other and still further.
I think of the drawing of the burning hearts. It is a drawing of Jesus in the centre, surrounded by his disciples and each with burning hearts. There are arrows, small arrows shooting out of each heart towards the others, back and forth and in between. And if the paper was large enough it would show the continuation of the burning hearts spreading outward and in and between. There would be no paper large enough to contain for it would spread out past the edges of the universe and continue even further.
I enjoy conversing with you about what we hold in common.
Because of the pandemic many of us around the world have been able to stay in touch with each other – through mail, through email and even see each other ‘live’ using apps such as ZOOM. It is not the same as in person and yet it is better than no communication. A week ago, our Province came together electronically and though we could not greet each other in person we were able to be a part of and witness together as new Associates made their First Commitment together – in our midst yet from the other end of the country. What a gift and blessing. Our joy shared with each other gave witness to what we hold in common.
This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice in it and be glad. (Psalm 118:24)