For 15 years our daily “St. Eugene Speaks” has been exploring his writings in chronological order. To mark the forthcoming bicenteary of our Papal approval I have paused the chronological reflections on his writings so as to focus on the Constitutions and Rules, asking the question: “How does Eugene Speak” through the Oblate Rule today? At the same time, in these days of the important OMI Inter-Chapter gathering, I am also recognizing how Eugene speaks to us through what is happening at the meeting in India:
“The third day of the Inter-Chapter began with a retreat, giving participants time for silence, prayer, and reflection. Fr. M. Chinnapan OMI, invited the Oblates to reflect on four dimensions of union: with oneself, with others, with nature, and with God. He reminded them that the first three open the heart and prepare the way for the deepest union, communion with God, which is found through silence and interior depth.” (OMIWORLD)
Here I recognize the spirit of Eugene in our Constitutions and Rules. Deepening our humanity by being in communion with ourselves, others, and nature open our hearts to union with God on our Christian journey towards sanctity (Preface) as cooperators of the Savior (Constitution 1).
“The desire to co-operate with him draws us to know him more deeply, to identify with him, to let him live in us” (Constitution 2). The rest of our Book of Life spells out how to achieve this.
As members of the Oblate Charismatic Family, we are called to become persons of union so as to lead others to the same union with self, others, nature and God in a fragmented world that daily drives people to growing disunity, division and confusion. “Wherever we work, our mission is especially to those people whose condition cries out for salvation and for the hope which only Jesus Christ can fully bring” (Constitution 5)
Today I am humbled that the “Spirit” leads me as she does, and yes leads us, members of the Oblate Charismatic Family ever more deeply.
It is not only the delegates taking part but all of us as we enter into the heart of Jesus together. Words rise within me – words from the Scriptures, words that I am not usually able to understand: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:1-3)
I recognize how I am invited on this pilgrimage of life, truly taking one small step at a time and the image of that would be of a bird soaring across the heavens with wings fully outstretched in a realm that God has created simply for that purpose. The air becomes rarified and I return more completed than I have ever been so as to take another breath(s).
All those taking personal part in the Inter-Chapter soaring and inviting us to join them: as “persons of union, so as to lead others to the same union with self, others, nature and God in a fragmented world…”
Thank you Frank for holding a light to our feet as we take our tiny steps on the road to our salvation; as co-operators of our crucified Saviour.