Our mission is to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to seek it before all else (cf. Mt 6: 33).
(Constitution 11)
Seeking the Kingdom of God in all things was at the heart of Eugene’s actions and subsequent proclamation. An example is found in 1817, when he was instrumental in the nomination of his uncle as Bishop of Marseilles.
Thank God, I acted as a good priest should: “seek first the Kingdom of God” [Ed Luke 12: 31]. I had only God in mind and God has now worked what is almost a miracle in my favor: for, note well, my dear uncle, I am not thinking of the honor that may come to you from it, etc. Not at all! And that is what makes my reasoning invincible. I have in mind only the welfare of the Church, the glory of God, and the salvation of souls.
Letter to his father and uncles, at Palermo, 28 August 1817, EO XIII n 11
This was his focus from the time of his conversion; may he intercede for us in our decision-making focus.
Today I received word that one of our Oblates will be ordained as a Bishop and how he had to pray and talk with God before saying yes. He was to be our new Pastor.
At first I thought oh no – who will be sent to walk with us? But then I looked at his letter and noticed again about his prayer and reflection with God and how he has put God first, then his family and friends.
It sounds so simple and yet…
This is not just a call to men, to priests: it is a reminder that God calls and speaks to each one of us and God does not always use the words we expect – or want. My recent and ongoing healing from a near death and severe brain injury has left me somewhat overwhelmed by God. I believe that God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit provided a miracle so that I am still alive today. Over and over again I have asked God why and the response has been more of a sense than actual words.
What do you want me to do God? Yet God has not asked me to do anything. Being – I believe it is about my being. Physically I am very vulnerable and broken, my memory or lack of memory is a part of my daily life and conversations and I physically have very little in the way of strength for all that friends and loved ones are telling me how strong I am.
I can still laugh and love though – maybe in small and unnoticed ways. A new couple found themselves in our residence Dining Room on Monday morning. They were sitting at a table for two looking around without even a glass of water in front of them. So I went over and introduced myself and asked if they were new and when they nodded yes we exchange names (which I no longer remember) and then I got juice for them and made sure one of the servers knew that they were new.
Not really a big deal when you think of it unless you can imagine a very shaky me trying to hold on to my walker and a pitcher of juice. Am I getting it right God? I sure hope so…