Eugene finds himself ill because of overwork and hyperactivity. Now, in this time of prayer, he reflects on his lifestyle and his attitudes. The countless demands of the mission will continue, but they have to be transformed into moments of encounter with God. In this text we can recognize Eugene’s awareness of the invitation of Matthew 25: “Whatever you do to one of the least of these, you do it to me.”
I must above all be really convinced that I am doing God’s will when I give myself to the service of my neighbour, immerse myself in the external business of our house, etc., and then do my best without worrying if, in doing work of this kind, I am unable to do other things which I would perhaps find more to my taste and seem more directly adapted to my own sanctification.
If, for example, at some time when I am attracted to contemplate the mercies of J.C. in his sacrament, someone comes for confession, I must leave Our Lord. without complaint and regret to fulfil this duty of charity imposed by his will.
Or again, if, tired out body and soul, I want to seek some rest in a good book or in prayer, etc., and the business of the house obliges me to go on some boring errand or make some tedious visits, persuaded that preference must always be given to what God requires over what one would oneself desire, etc., I will not hesitate, and I will do it with such good grace that, supposing I had the choice, I would prefer what the service that God has confided to me requires to what I would have a greater personal liking for.
Better again, I will try to arrive at a loving preference for what is conformed to the will of the Master, which alone must rule not only my actions, but even my affections.
If I reach that point, the battle is won. But I am a long way from it as of now, through insufficient reflection and yielding too much to my natural ardour which makes me impatient of a task or, if you like, of an interruption that detains me, when I have something else to do that I regard sometimes as more important, and this happens 50 times a day.
Retreat Notes, July-August 1816, O.W. XV n 139
This same conviction is found in the writings of Saint Vincent de Paul as well, and it is not surprising because the formation Eugene received at the Sulpician seminary in Paris, was influenced by the vision of St Vincent.
LJC et MI
This reflection of the founder is so real in each of our lives. Constant interruptions so seems at the moment, yet they are opportunities to see and touch the face of Christ.
50 times a day Eugene speaks about, each an opportunity for conversion.
This seems like Oraison for me, the distraction I have, at lease 50 -usually more! But each time I am called back by the voice of the Good Shepherd and rest in the silence it is a moment of grace.
“I will not hesitate, and I will do it with such good grace that, supposing I had the choice, I would prefer what the service that God has confided to me requires to what I would have a greater personal liking for.”
I think for a moment of Jesus and his agony in the garden as he prayed to God to take the cup he was being given and then saying yes to whatever he must do even if it meant death. And even more important was how he lived and died that yes. He remained calm within himself, not calling down death and destruction upon his accusers but rather crying out in agony “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”.
Asking for forgiveness of another is a moment of conversion and new life, an action of love and caring for.
And while some might proclaim that we have free choice I am reminded of Peter’s words “Lord to whom can we go – You have the words of everlasting life.”
Eugene and his founding community also had the choice, in fact they had a series of choices: they chose to follow the will of God, and they chose how to live that choice out.
It is as Frank declared above about Eugene: ‘that for those of us who have been called and invited as members of this Mazenodian Oblate Family this same conviction is found in the writings of St. Eugene de Mazenod as well, and it is not surprising because the formation we receive has been influenced by the vision of St. Eugene.’
Only if we look through the loving eyes of our crucified Saviour will our service to others become occasions of meeting with God.
Lord, may this be realised within each of us in our very breathing in and breathing out.