Quoting from the Rule, Eugene\u2019s retreat meditations lead him to comment on some of the areas of relationship with the Savior which are lived out in everyday activities.<\/p>\n
The ministry they are doing brings them gratitude, praise and acclaim. It is, therefore, important to realize that they are merely instruments of Jesus the Savior. They need to cultivate humility (to say \u201cIt is about you, Jesus, not me\u201d) and simple cooperation with their superior (\u201cIt is about us, the community, and not about me.\u201d)<\/p>\n
\n\u201cClosely united in the bonds of close fraternal charity, all will be exact in the practice of holy obedience under the direction of superiors\u201d. It is not talking here only of the Superior General. What is to be said then of grumbling, prejudices?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\u201cBy this mode of life they will become well versed in the virtue of humility…\u201d. in submitting with simplicity to the one chosen among their brothers to represent Jesus Christ, to have authority in his name, for him to be obeyed exactly \u201cexactly\u201d and for one to comply with the humility that is infinitely necessary in their case, \u201cthey will become well versed in the virtue of humility, a virtue that they will not cease to implore from God, since it is absolutely necessary for the perilous ministry in which they are engaged\u201d.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Then Eugene gives the practical reason for these safeguards: to God belongs the credit and not to our \u201cswollen-heads.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAnd here is the reason: \u201cSo rich, indeed, are the fruits of this ministry, that it is to be feared that such marvelous achievements-due as they are to grace alone and whose glory consequently belongs only to God-might prove a dangerous snare for an imperfect missionary, who has not sufficiently cultivated this fundamental and indispensable virtue.\u201d The proud have had their warning!<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Retreat notes, October 1831, EO XV n. 163<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Quoting from the Rule, Eugene\u2019s retreat meditations lead him to comment on some of the areas of relationship with the Savior which are lived out in everyday activities. The ministry they are doing brings them gratitude, praise and acclaim. It … Continue reading