Our bicentenary celebrations have constantly reminded us of the truth of Eugene’s words that our Constitution and Rules
are not a trivial unimportant thing, they are no longer simple regulations, merely pious directions; they are Rules approved by the Church after most minute examination. They have been judged holy and eminently suited to lead those who have embraced them to their goal.
Letter to Henri Tempier and all the Oblates, 18 February 1826, EO VII n 226
As we continue to explore our Rule of Life, step-by-step, it is through the eyes of St Eugene that we look at it. What does he say to us through it? How does he communicate his spirit and vision to us? What is he calling us to be and do as he accompanies us, the members of his beloved Charismatic Family? For what is he interceding for us in the presence of God and the saints?
Since last year (https://www.eugenedemazenod.net/?p=5978 to https://www.eugenedemazenod.net/?p=6203 ), we have been exploring our Rule of Life with St Eugene. We then interrupted our series to journey with Eugene in the events of 1825-1826. Now as we return to examine our Rule, we recap briefly.
I invite you to reflect one again on how each of us has been called by Jesus Christ
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- to share in his mission as his cooperators (C1)
- to know him more deeply, to identify with him, to let him live in us (C2)
- to see the world through the eyes of his Cross which leads those in need to the power of the resurrection (C4)
- to proclaim him and his Kingdom to the poor and most abandoned (C5)
- to recognize and love him in his body, the Church, and participate in its mission (C6)
- to respond to the most urgent needs of the Church through various forms of witness and ministry (C7)
- to always be close to the people with whom we work, taking into account their values and aspirations (C8)
- to announce the liberating presence of Jesus Christ and the new world born in his resurrection (C9)
HOW TO DO ALL THIS?
Eugene’s words in his letter to Henri Tempier indicate that the newly approved Constitutions and Rules are the very heart of his charism – this gift that the Holy Spirit has conferred upon him and the founding community. It is like the 10 Commandments – deeper than the stated actions, they become a part of who we are, what we hold in our hearts and how we see all others.
For those of us whom Eugene has invited to accept his shared charism as members of the Oblate Charismatic Family this is how we will be sent out – not necessarily as missionary religious to another continent but rather in whatever our daily lives might look like.
For me – as I am still in the hospital until the end of this month I am sent as another patient to the staff, nurses and doctors as well as other patients.
There is in this the gift of knowing that God still has some work for me to complete even though I do not yet see that route as being very clear. It will be in the small and ordinary; not alone but with others, with community. This why we journey together, no matter our various roles and titles.