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“A father’s communication with his many children… that is one of the most agreeable occupations of my life” 1857
I wonder how much consternation Fr. Telmon caused within himself as well as to his brothers in the congregation?
I think of the patience that Eugene himself had to practice as he sent his sons to the New World and so many places that he had never personally been to. He had to wait for their letters to know how they were doing and what they were experiencing. His love for his growing family was such that he worked hard to find a way to help them grow, and fulfill the missions they were sent to, letting go of everything to answer God’s call.
Fr. Telmon and I are more alike than I like to admit. How much we both found consternation within ourselves and our various weaknesses. Trying to control and do everything our way is never the answer, especially in community. Perhaps like me he was afraid of not being good enough and so he sometimes worked against himself and his congregation in order to ‘feel better’.
God gives us what we need before calling and sending us out. It may well take our entire lives to allow ourselves to be led by God and through God by others.
I find myself thinking of Eugene’s account of what he experienced on that one Good Friday, Jesus on the Cross looking down at him with infinite love… There are a few tears of sorrow and joy. And I find myself singing very softly: “Be not afraid, I go before you always. Come follow me and I will give you rest.”
This is how Eugene speaks to me each morning. There are no straight lines here. Daily I am led, inspired, enlivened, renewed and forgiven by God, and many who know me. It is the Spirit herself who starts singing within me and for that I give thanks.