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“A father’s communication with his many children… that is one of the most agreeable occupations of my life” 1857
One word comes to mind this morning: “Obedience”. It is the ‘sense’ of Eugene’s words to Fr Allard rather than the number of the Constitution that Frank quotes; the “Living the freedom of the Gospel” that we can come to attain in our own lives. It is not about ‘tamping down’ our own passion or our ego, but rather a way that we are invited to enter into… And while this is neither demanded nor asked of us as lay members of this beautiful Mazenodian Oblate Family, it is a way that helps me to go deeper in living my own oblation. I offer it quietly and without demands to a new Superior whether it be in our district or the Province and so also to the Church and to God. I am happy that none have seemed to reject it for it is born out of ever-deepening love…
It can be so easy to think we know the mind of God, as if God is made in our image rather than we are made in God’s image… “…one must not be too exclusive in one’s opinions when not knowing how to resign oneself to things that are not going in the direction one wishes.” How awesome it is to be able to let go our own egos so as to be available to God – for God’s use.
It is this way of being that allows me to “enlarge the space of [my] tent”, the space of my heart as Isaiah spoke of.
Thank you, Eleanor. I have been following the dilemma like watching a TV serial show. Every episode revealed a little more of St. Eugene’s thoughts and passion. I tried to guess what his final action would be. Yes, perhaps it was obedience,,, but this appears to be a human imposed rule. I believe St Eugene ultimately displays his trust in the Lord and models this to the other Oblates with a gentle reminder.
Rose
Hi Rose – I know – there is some drama here. And I know the end result in advance only because Bishop Bruno Guigues was the first Bishop of Bytown (now called Ottawa) here in Canada where I live. The vow of Obedience was the first vow that Eugene made with Henri Tempier – it was obedience to each other, the Church and God, an integral and living part of oblation. I agree with you about his trust in the Lord which
is one of the gifts of obedience – they walk hand in hand, two of the elements which are part of a greater whole. I don’t usually think of the Rule of Life as an imposition, but more of a gift shared with us of the lived expression of Eugene’s charism. My experience of it is that it becomes a foundational part of us, how our hearts beat and our breathing in and out. It affects our being which in turn affects our doing. I find it nourishing and a tool of renewal. It is pure gift offered and accepted, rather than an imposition. The most beautiful thing about it is that it becomes a part of a living flow of love which reflects God’s love shared with each of us and that we in turn share with those we meet.
I would love to chat with you sometimes if you are willing.