The year 1819 saw the continuation of normal activities for Eugene: directing the ministry of the Missionaries, preaching parish missions, accompanying the Youth Congregation and the activities of the house and church in Aix. Added to this was the new venture of the second community in Laus, under Henri Tempier to whom he writes:
I say to the good God during the Mass and during the Eucharistic adoration of the forty hours that, if this child were not to persevere in grace, I would not request his cure but the Lord is powerful enough to grant him both things: his cure and perseverance.
As you see, I am not timid with the good God; it is at the moment of communion that I permit myself these indiscretions…
Letter to Henri Tempier, 22 February 1819, O.W. VI n. 40
He refers here to his concern for one of the members of his Youth Congregation who was seriously ill and close to death. Eugene’s affective and intimate relationship with God emerges: “As you see, I am not timid with the good God; it is at the moment of communion that I permit myself these indiscretions.” In prayer, Eugene could be fully himself with God and pour out all that was in his heart. It was from this intimacy that his missionary zeal came.
“Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” Exodus 33:11
“You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:14
Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be with Him who we know loves us. In order that love be true and friendship endure, the wills of the friends must be in accord. St. Teresa of Jesus
“An intimate sharing between friends” – or lovers. Eugene’s “all for God”, his repeated “letting go” or as Richard Rohr spoke of – “our freedom, inner freedom, freedom from self, freedom for love” – all of these give us the right for “these indiscretions” as Eugene said. Although I would hestitate at calling them indescretions – I am thinking perhaps of shared moments. God’s invitation to us to allow His/Her love are in fact invitations for us to ask for what we want and to know that these requests will be answered. It is this shared love that fills us, directs us and that gives us our life.