Writing to the Novice Master, Eugene says that each novice must:
yield cheerfully to the indispensable observances of the Rule. He must make it a point to delve deeply into the spirit of the Institute he wishes to join and be convinced that he can attain it only by his fidelity and exact observance of all the prescriptions of the Rule…
I don’t need to recommend that you insist chiefly on religious fervour. I cannot imagine a vocation without it. All our young men should be moulded according to this way. If fervour is lacking in a novitiate, we are not forming men of God.
Letter to Father Joseph Vincens, 3 December 1841 EO IX n 752
Eugene’s advice applies not only to Oblate novices. All of us are disciples of Jesus Christ who want to walk fervently in following Him. This is the reason for the existence of the Mazenodian Family: to help one another to live our discipleship according to the spirit of St Eugene. In other words, to be fervent in our love for God and for one another.
“So with yourselves; since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:12
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
There is a big difference between sedately eating a meal, which while providing the necessary elements of proteins and carbohydrates to live, does not necessarily excite or lead us to discovering new foods. However, when a feast is put before us, we can experience nourishment with enhanced taste; we can experience deep enjoyment and even passion as our senses become more alive.
This has been my experience of walking with St. Eugene de Mazenod and his sons and daughters. This has been my experience growing with and within the Church. What began with God and then listening to God’s call within me opened a whole new universe and way of being which just gets bigger and more exciting with each day.
Somewhere along the way I have begun to experience both patience and passion – together. I who balked against rules and regulations joyfully learned and continue to learn how to live and experience a Rule of Life which while written for others has been shared with us. It has become a light and a signpost on my journey with the Mazenodian Family.
Each day I try to spend time with the Constitutions and Rules and yesterday I found myself reflecting on “Our life in all its dimensions is a prayer that, in us and through us, God’s kingdom come.” (C 32) This is why I am here, a part of missio Dei, a part of something that is so much greater than just myself. I think of Vincenzo Bordo OMI and the radiance of his smile and love. Another model of the life we are offered.
“This is the reason for the existence of the Mazenodian Family: to help one another to live our discipleship according to the spirit of St Eugene. In other words, to be fervent in our love for God and for one another.” This is what passionate life in God looks like.