EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT TIME DOES NOT HOLD BACK WHEN ONE PUTS ONE’S CONFIDENCE IN GOD

Posted on September 26, 2023 by franksantucci

Sometimes the difficulties of the missionaries in foreign countries seemed insurmountable and they lost confidence. Eugene, whose faith and enthusiasm was fuelled by his unshakeable belief in God’s unfailing providence, was aware of their difficulties and often encouraged them.

Much good remains for us to do. Let us be of good heart and undismayed by difficulties. Who is there who has none to overcome? I would wish the weak and timid could hear the words I hear from the lips of bishops and missionaries who pass through my house. It is quite different from what happens to us. But they go forward and God helps them. Let us adopt their attitude. They do not worry about weak beginnings. Things improve with time and experience shows that time does not hold back when one puts one’s confidence in God.

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

REFLECTION

There is much that we can learn from Eugene’s example and intercession: if we are doing God’s will, then we can rely on God’s supportive presence.

“I’ve learned that fear limits you and your vision. It serves as blinders to what may be just a few steps down the road for you. The journey is valuable, but believing in your talents, your abilities, and your self-worth can empower you to walk down an even brighter path. Transforming fear into freedom – how great is that?”   Soledad O’Brien

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1 Response to EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT TIME DOES NOT HOLD BACK WHEN ONE PUTS ONE’S CONFIDENCE IN GOD

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    September 26, 2023 at 12:02

    Eugene’s faith was at times a struggle but always which depened throughout his life.

    As we experience fears, God is always there with us; just as we are sent out to others, there are those who are sent to walk with us. Our Mazenodian/Oblate Family – each of us walking together as Pilgrims of Hope in Communion. This theme of being expresss one of our deepest desires throughout life – something that God has planted within the DNA of our beings, and that God nourishes on our life’s journey.

    We may think that the work we are doing, or the many inner struggles we are experiencing go untoticed. God always notices as do many we walk with. It doesn’t matter if we know them or not. It takes courage and daring and total trust in God. And it takes time.

    Here in the western part of the world there seems to be a norm that demands instant fixes, instant recognition and the desire to quickly move on. As Eugene knew “…they do not worry about weak beginnings”. Life grows with time and this experience shows that times does not hold back when one puts one’s confidence in God.

    “…having experienced the Father’s love in Jesus, dedicates his life to make that love visible. He entrusts is fidelity to the one whose cross he shares, whose promises are his hope.” (C 59) It is in this way that we each become a visible sign of love for each other and all those we meet.

    Reply

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