Our Superior General wrote for today: February 17th – 199th Anniversary of the Papal Approbation of the Constitutions and Rules. We read in C. 163:
“The Constitutions and Rules set out a privileged means for each Oblate to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. They are inspired by the charism lived by the Founder and his first companions; also, they have received the approval of the Church. Thus, they allow each Oblate to evaluate the quality of his response to his vocation and to become a saint.”
To help us put Christ at the centre of our lives, we have a tool with authoritative confirmation of the Church. Our CC and RR help us evaluate whether we are genuinely following Christ, whether we are indeed responding to his call to embrace Oblate life, whether we are indeed on the path to holiness and whether we are faithful to the mission we have received.
In all humility, we must recognize that we can always move forward and do better. By placing our trust in the Lord, we can always take new steps on this pilgrimage of hope. We are not hindered by our past, nor our age, nor by our health conditions, or the circumstances around us; on the contrary, it is all this that contextualizes and makes our missionary oblation take flesh. “ #SuperiorGeneral #Letter_Febrary17 #CCRR #pilgrimsofhopeincommunion
Again I find myself reflecting on how the OMI Constitutions and Rules have been and continue to enliven and deepen within me, for they have become the signposts, the compass of my life’s pilgrimage of hope. They inspire me to allow God to call and send me in ways that I was created to be. I think of the potter’s hands molding me, over and over again with love.
The Oblate Rule of Life has become “a privileged means” to have Jesus as my model as I stand in the shadow of the cross, walking in St. Eugene’s light as one of his daughters.
I dare to break any pre-made molds which might try to dictate to me what love is supposed to look like.
Last night I was able to join other members of our Oblate Charismatic Family out west as they renewed their commitments and especially for two who were making their First Commitment. I witnessed their inner joy as they spoke aloud and received their small Oblate Crosses. And to be able to recognize the faces of others who I love.
The Oblate Constitutions and Rules are the incarnated expression of St. Eugene’s charism and how grateful I am as the OMI Rule of Life becomes more deeply incarnated within me, within my being…