THE CONSOLATIONS OF A PASTOR

Posted on September 6, 2023 by franksantucci

Marseilles, as an important port city, was the home to several military establishments. Bishop Eugene had just confirmed 30 soldiers and First Communion to six of them. His joy and pastoral satisfaction in expressed in his diary entry.

April 22: [Confirmation of soldiers.] No one could be more edifying than these good people are, nor more attentive to the paternal words I spoke to them.

This is another of my consolations; they multiply and follow one another, and they are certainly heartfelt.

Eugene de Mazenod’s Diary, 22 April 1847, EO XXI

REFLECTION

When Eugene was appointed Bishop of Marseilles in 1837, he had undertaken to “attach myself to this people as a father to his children” (EO XV n 185). Ten years later we glimpse this fatherly attachment, and the joy and consolation he experiences when he ministers to his flock.

His words echo those of St Paul: ” We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.” (I Thessalonians 2:13)

An invitation for us to give thanks today for those whose ministry has made a difference to our faith life.

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One Response to THE CONSOLATIONS OF A PASTOR

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    September 6, 2023 at 13:30

    Today’s reflection is an invitation to sit and give thanks to God as I look at the many who have made a difference in my life, some more than others, but each had gifts that they shared with me. And I truly hope that when they look at me they are filled with both joy and consolation for great impact they have had in my life. There have been many.

    Like parents and family feel when the children strike out on their own, as they respond to God’s call and find their own passions. This is the gift of consolation and joy that is so familial that we all feel as members of the Body of Christ, as children of God.

    Sometimes it is the gift that we receive when we look at others amidst their struggles and heartbreak, yet they celebrate with us simply because our hearts and being meet theirs.

    “This is another of my consolations; they multiply and follow one another, and they are certainly heartfelt.“ It is like the current of a great river or ocean with their tides flowing out and them ebbing back – like the heartbeat of God. It never gives up or dies.

    I give a very special thanks to the members of our Oblate/Mazenodian Family for they are all models of our shared charism that has grown so very deeply within me. I pray they know the joy and consolation of each other, just as I celebrate with joy and consolation for each of you
    .
    It is all about the presence of God within each of us.

    Reply

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