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“A father’s communication with his many children… that is one of the most agreeable occupations of my life” 1857
Sometimes we can tend to forget that these men, then (and now) were only human, they were not perfect in spite of the courage and heroism of their lives. Like the apostles, they had both strengths and weaknesses. Like Judas, some have betrayed themselves and those they served.
I can only imagine what it is like for Fr. Semeria, Eugene and any other of the Oblates who were aware of what was happening with Leopold Carles, whether they knew the reason or not. Did they feel a sense of betrayal? It can sometimes take great self-determination and self perseverance to treat the one(s) who has betrayed us with love, with charity.
Eugene, then and now, seemed to be aware to what was happening with those he loved, a result of his own sense of being betrayed himself in during the years of 1832 to 1835. It was love and forgiveness that healed his wounds. Eugene knew that love as the only thing that could heal certain wounds. His love is evident in his letter to Etienne Semeria for it is filled with compassion and consolation: “my most dear Father Semeria… I am writing to you beforehand to ease your pain.”
Anger and even hatred can step in and fill the void left by betrayal and it’s resulting pain and loss, making love and forgiveness the only way to experience any lasting healing. Eugene knew that it would take nothing less than charity to assuage or soothe the hearts of the Oblates at the loss of one they have loved. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Is this not how we are all trying to live now and I am thining of those of us who have experienced a recent betrayal of our fellow Canadians? It is love that will bring about forgiveness and healing, within ourselves and those who have hurt us.
“Charity, charity, charity…”