THEY WILL BE REASONABLE WHEN GOD SHOWS US WHAT WE MUST DO

Posted on September 22, 2023 by franksantucci

As the Oblate mission was rapidly expanding, so was the need for missionaries. Father Leonard’s recruiting campaign was bringing in new Oblates who were enthusiastic. Eugene was respectful of their wishes as to where to go for ministry: in France or in the foreign missions. He was also confident that they would be generous in responding to whichever were the greatest needs.

Father Leonard’s campaign has procured a considerable number of recruits who ask to be sent to evangelize the indigenous peoples. I have not undertaken never to employ them in other ministries. No doubt what I will take into consideration is mostly their own liking but they will be reasonable when God shows us what we must do for His greater glory.

Letter to Fr Eugene Guigues in Canada, 20 July 1847, EO I n 86

REFLECTION

These words of Ben Carson,”I think one of the keys to leadership is recognizing that everybody has gifts and talents. A good leader will learn how to harness those gifts toward the same goal” certainly apply to Eugene’s leadership style. May generosity to share our talents be a characteristic of our Mazenodian Family.

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1 Response to THEY WILL BE REASONABLE WHEN GOD SHOWS US WHAT WE MUST DO

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    September 22, 2023 at 13:01

    Eugene’s trust in the Lord is striking! He seemed always able to the draw the best from his sons.

    It has never been just about what his sons and daughters want, but rather where he and his council(s) discern where God would have us planted. God has always known our deepest desires which were given to us when God kissed us into life.

    One of the things which has always been like a beacon of light is to recognize how greatly my Mazenodian Family is when comes to sharing themselves and their gifts with each other and all those that they meet. It is like a by-product of their oblation to God and each other. Again I am reminded: “Lay people recognize that they are called to share in the charism according to their state of life, and to live it in ways that vary according to milieu and cultures. They share in the charism in a spirit of communion and reciprocity amongst themselves and with the Oblates.” (R 37a)

    We do not make our oblation and then try to live this out for our own glory. No, these gifts and talents given to us are always in the light of serving God, the Church, each other and all whom we met.

    Reply

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