PUTTING ALL THEIR CONFIDENCE IN GOD AND IN THE PATERNAL BLESSING OF HIM WHO HAS THE GRACE TO ASSIGN WORK TO EACH ONE
And I thank the Lord doubly because I am more than ever convinced that in what has come to pass, divine Providence not only has your good in mind but that of the Congregation which you are called to direct towards the fulfilment of her duties in this part of the world…
Letter to Bishop Bruno Guigues, 25 August, 1848, EO 1, n. 101
Bruno Guigues may have become Bishop of Bytown, but he also remained the Superior of all the Oblates in North America. Having congratulated him, Eugene now got down to business.
Father Telmon had been appointed Superior of a new missionary venture to the USA in Pittsburgh, and he was raising objections. Eugene needed him to be reminded of his vow of obedience and of the confidence that he needed to have in the person of the Superior General who understood the bigger picture of the whole Congregation’s personnel and mission and had “the grace to assign work to each one.”
Whatever might be Father Telmon’s objection, you will reaffirm on my behalf what I wrote to him directly that I expressly put him in charge of this mission and, if needs be, in virtue of holy obedience, although it pains me considerably to employ this means, given that all members of our Institute like those of so many others should make it their duty to march forward at the first word of the father of the family, putting all their confidence in God and in the paternal blessing of him who has the grace to assign work to each one…
Letter to Bishop Guigues in Bytown, 25 July 1848, EO 1 n. 99
REFLECTION
Authority is not a popular word in our relativistic society. As Christians, we accept God’s authority in its many manifestations: Sacred Scripture, the magisterium of the Church with its teachings and guidelines, those who have been appointed our Church leaders, the faith of our fellow believers – all these expressions of authority contribute to the formation of a mature and well-informed conscience. Religious and priests, through our freely-chosen vow of obedience, have the responsibility to lead the way.
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I begin this day by opening my small copy of the Oblate Rule of Life and turn to the few pages that speak about the vow of “Obedience”.
“By our vow of obedience we assume the obligation to obey the Holy Father and our lawful Superiors in any matter pertaining directly or indirectly to the observance of the Constitutions and Rules. The vow binds gravely when we receive from our Superior an order expressly given in the name of obedience.” (C 27)
Just as we have the responsibility of being obedient (whether we be religious or lay), so too do our superiors have a responsibility in naming the obedience that is being given to us, whether it be in person or carried on the breath of the Spirit.
It demands great love lived with daring, humility and trust (Ref. C 8) and goes deeper than just a game of pretend with God. Perhaps that is why we say it out loud and for some, sign our names to that vow. It can be a way of concretizing it and renewing it at the same time.
I am reminded of the practice of “Spiritual Direction” (which is often called Spiritual Accompaniment). It is the forming of relationship, a two-way sharing and conversation. I imagine that it is a grace to both parties as they give and receive.
Obedience – It is as much a grace and responsibility for those giving as it is for those receiving it.