Knowing the zeal and generosity of the first group of Oblate missionaries in Canada, Eugene encouraged them to maintain a balance.
Do not let yourselves be overwhelmed by the work which will soon surpass your strength. One must never want to do more than God permits. Plan all things wisely. Above all, always reserve time for study and for your personal sanctification in the interior of your house. That is indispensable.
Letter to Fr. Jean Baptiste Honorat, 26 March 1842, EO I n 10
Each one has to “BE” a person of God who prays and deepens their knowledge and relationship with God. That is indispensable for the success of the ministry, the “DO” of mission.
An invitation to pause in our frenetic world of multi-tasking to examine our own equilibrium – more easily said than done.
In these difficult times there can be an urge to run and “DO” to help others; really to do anything to keep busy. I have a friend who will do laundry every day or will clean out her closet every other day. I stop for a moment and think how easy it for me to get lost in a computer game; or to rush to the aid of my friend who frequently forgets or gets confused.
And there is always the temptation to run away from it all – to escape. To hide in the computer games or television broadcasts. Escape – not exactly what Frank and Eugene are reminding and inviting us to.
I notice that I began by looking at my friend’s life and struggles before getting to my own. Perhaps instead looking for the answer outside of myself I need to focus inward at where I am led to “be”.
I share a short meditation that was given to me two years ago. It is what I see each time I look at my computer screen, in my room where much of my living has taken place since the pandemic began. It helps me to simply “be” in God’s embrace.
On the Water…
“Now go slowly and be like a beautiful piece of driftwood going with the current wherever it takes you. God’s river is beautiful – the current will take you to beautiful shady places, lovely flowing water, bulling streams, the occasional knock with a rock which will then deflect you along the water, and sometimes to get stuck in the mud and just have to wait for the next wind or rain to move the mud. Float gently and know that the Holy Spirit and St. Eugene are blowing, and that the current knows where it is leading you to.”