THE LORD, OUR DIVINE MODEL HAD CONSIDERABLE GRIEF FROM HIS WELL-LOVED APOSTLES

Posted on December 19, 2022 by franksantucci

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”

And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.

But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

Lk 1:18-20

These are truly disciples who honor their Master.

Let good Father Vincens rejoice and turn his thoughts on them when he encounters some difficulty. The Lord, our divine model had considerable grief from his well-loved apostles, who were so often intolerable and bothersome.

Letter to Father Bruno Guigues, 18 August 1843, EO X n 812

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One Response to THE LORD, OUR DIVINE MODEL HAD CONSIDERABLE GRIEF FROM HIS WELL-LOVED APOSTLES

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    December 19, 2022 at 12:52

    Luke’s words remind that this is one of those mysteries that I cannot figure out. I am reminded of the first thirty years of my life: I was baptised, but turned away from the God who I was taught had created me as a punishment upon my parents. Until I met Jesus…

    I turn my thought instead to the Canticle of Zechariah which we sing with Morning Prayer: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. […] In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” This is the fourth week of Advent and we invited not only to trust and hope, but to rejoice…

    I am sure there are those who think I am quite often intolerable and bothersome. My seeming never-ending doubts, questions and need to be reassured… Today we listen as Eugene speaks to Fr. Vincens who at the time was the Novice Master, and who would become like a father-figure to the young men going through the house. Rejoice he tells Fr. Vincens reminding him that even Jesus struggled with his ‘hand-picked’ disciples.

    In my times of troubles and need of being reassured I have more than once asked “why”. I think of the many times that I am reminded how I am loved – not just by God but by many of the members of our Oblate/Mazenodian family as they invite me to join them in rejoicing.

    Reply

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