So convinced were they of the action of making these vows, that they wanted everyone to share in what they were experiencing. They prayed that their other companions would come to the same appreciation:
… and we prayed the divine Master that, if it were his holy will to bless our undertaking, to lead our present companions and those who would be associated with us in the future, to appreciate the full value of this oblation of one’s entire self to God, when one wanted to serve him unreservedly and to consecrate one’s life to the spread of his holy Gospel and the conversion of souls.
Rambert I, p. 187
I find it touching that “those who would be associated with us in the future” were prayed for on that night. That means that Eugene prayed for me and for every other person who has been associated with his dream as part of the wider Mazenodian family! The prayer of Eugene reflects the prayer of Jesus at the Last Supper: “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.” (John 17:20)
Jammed packed! What joy and hope this morning’s reflection brings to me, both the words of Frank and those of Eugene. In a time when we struggle with who and what are Associates, what we should or shouldn’t call ourselves, how we are connected, how we are not. This speaks so very clearly to me as I call myself an Oblate Associate. “So convinced were they of the action of making these vows, that they wanted everyone to share in what they were experiencing.” This is how we are called to live out our lives. This is how I am called to live out my life. Most certainly I have been attracted to the Oblates, who they are, how they live, but in truth it was Eugene who spoke (and still speaks) to me. His spirit communicated, shared, given. And his prayer – “…..to lead our present companions and those who would be associated with us in the future, to appreciate the full value of this oblation of one’s entire self to God, when one wanted to serve him unreservedly and to consecrate one’s life to the spread of his holy Gospel and the conversion of souls.” On a day Lord where I did not ask, but when you knew I needed hope, reaffirmation, whatever, you gave it to me.
Frank picks up from Eugene and talks about the wider Mazenodian family and then ties Eugene’s prayer in with the prayer of Jesus. As I said ‘jam-packed’. It is a gift on this day before we head into the great Triduum. I find myself anticipating, looking forward to, wanting and waiting for it all. This celebration of death and life.