Eugene emphasizes these powerful words to all those who exercise the ministry of being instruments of God\u2019s mercy. He speaks primarily of confessors, but surely it also applies to anyone who deals with the brokenness of others as a listener, counselor, mentor\u2026 in exercising \u201cinexhaustible charity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAfter bringing home to him the importance of this ministry it adds<\/em>: A missionary will, therefore, never refuse the request of those who seek to go to confession, whether during the time of missions, or outside of it. (Art. 2).<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Let no one seek for excuses to escape this service. On the contrary let each one generously offer to undertake this ministry, and do whatever he can to lead to the tribunal of penance any whom he sees inclined to resist the call of grace. Indeed out of merciful compassion, each, mindful of the words of the Gospel: \u201cMake them come in,\u201d should try, if he can, to win by constraint those who remain obstinately unwilling. There are many examples of conversions brought about in this manner, and lower down: For the rest, let the missionaries be ever ready to receive sinners with inexhaustible charity. Let them encourage the penitents by their warmth, and by showing a sympathetic heart. In a word, let them treat them as they themselves would wish to be treated if they were in the same unfortunate condition. (Art. 3 and 12 ibid).<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Retreat notes, October 1831, EO XV n. 163<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Eugene emphasizes these powerful words to all those who exercise the ministry of being instruments of God\u2019s mercy. He speaks primarily of confessors, but surely it also applies to anyone who deals with the brokenness of others as a listener, … Continue reading