Eugene\u2019s retreat meditation led him to reflect on his stewardship \u2013 using the parable of the head of the household who entrusted talents to his stewards. Although he had managed well and efficiently, Eugene feels sad because he had not achieved as much grace as he should have.<\/p>\n
\nI have achieved a lot, it is true, overcome big obstacles, conquered insurmountable difficulties, good and very much good came of it. Yes, I cannot deny it, but it is at my own expense. I was better, or to phrase it better, incomparably less evil at the beginning of my ministry when I had still achieved practically nothing, than now when I have achieved much. What to conclude fromthis reasoning? That not only am I an unprofitable servant, but an unfaithful servant, that I may have done what I was obliged to do, but did not do it as I ought, since certainly the first condition of the work the Head of the Household imposed on me was that in carrying out His work I should pursue my own sanctification which one does not attain in our holy state otherwise than by advancing in perfection. So here I am arrived at my fiftieth year with empty hands, since I have been unable to enrich myself in my regular management of the treasures, even as I increased their value to the head of the household, but not with good interest as it should have been since, once again, as I look closely at myself, I find myself poorer today than the first day of my administration, \u201cvillicationis meae\u201d [<\/i><\/strong>ed. my account of stewardship<\/i>].<\/i><\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Retreat journal before being consecrated bishop, 7-14 October 1832, EO XV n 166<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Eugene\u2019s retreat meditation led him to reflect on his stewardship \u2013 using the parable of the head of the household who entrusted talents to his stewards. Although he had managed well and efficiently, Eugene feels sad because he had not … Continue reading