We will always be close to the people with whom we work, taking into account their values and aspirations.
Constitution 8
Unlike many bishops of his time who were unapproachable and prioritized administration, Eugene’s behavior as an Oblate would be different – he would not be a distant figure but would search for every opportunity to be close to his flock:
Series of instructions in the various parishes, catechism, visits to the sick in turn in all sectors of the city will be effective ways to bring about good among them, at the same time giving me the benefit of satisfying the duties of my position as I like to consider them.
He understood that being a bishop was a consecration to a life of close oblational service of others. To put this commitment into practice, he drew up a daily schedule for himself. Rising at 5 he would dedicate 90 minutes to prayer, then a period of study of Scripture, Fathers of the Church and theology. Thereafter several hours in his office to receive people. In the afternoons, 30 minutes of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament followed by visits in the city.
Here he lists “courtesy calls on convents,” and visits “especially to the sick and the poor,” and then “each parish in turn.” (Daily schedule, May 1837, EO XV, n.186,)
A program marked by closeness to God and closeness to his flock.
Eugene’s daily schedule for a man of his time was daunting no matter how we look at it! Yes he had a heart as big as the world. But it was more than that which enabled him to live out “a consecration to a life of close oblational service of others”. He shared this way of being with his founding community, his sons and now with all of his sons and daughters.
Becoming aware of Pablo Henning Manrique OMI who sought and seeks out those in the virtual gaming world. Something I know very little about except what I have seen on TV shows and who I have judged as being unable to face reality.
Do I avert my eyes so as to not see the poverty of the person I am walking with or past? Do I understand why the lady who I see in my building every day only ever responds with one word and a nod of her head? I am told she has a speech impediment and yet I find myself wanting to know her, to listen to share with her, even if it is only the sharing of silence.
We can invite like-minded peoples to join our ministry of love, not so as to get away from but rather to continue to be close even as we “make space in our tents” (Isaiah54:2), space in our hearts. It is in this way that we become small lights to our neighbours’ feet.