LET US ALWAYS HAVE ONLY GOD IN OUR SIGHT

By early March the Oblates had arrived in Algeria. The agreement with the Bishop was that they live in community with the responsibility of caring for the parish in Blida as their base for missionary outreach and to care for the religious services for the hospital. The Bishop, however, did not respect this agreement and they had to take up residence at the town gate and were to look after seven scattered villages which had no churches. They set up a chapel for their services which was open to the public. This chapel ministry drew the hostility of the local parish priest.

The Missionaries were angry with the Bishop, but Eugene encouraged them:

One must never forget the deference due to a Bishop even when one has a complaint about him.

I am finishing in haste, in case I miss the post. Farewell, then, my dear Father, do not let yourself be bowed down by any contradiction, do not precipitate matters through an only too justified feeling of anger brought about by the injustices you are suffering. You know the advice the Apostle gives us on this subject, he who suffered so much from all sides and in all ways. Let us always have only God in our sight, and he will come to our help. Is it not already a fine compensation that you have been able to do good work at Boufarik and in the villages of our colonists!

Farewell, farewell, I send you all my most affectionate greetings.

Letter to Fr Jean Viala in Algeria, 5 March 1849, EO IV n 6

REFLECTION

When things go wrong for us and our expectations are not met, Eugene’s advice is salutary: focus on God with confidence and rely on God’s help.

This entry was posted in WRITINGS. Bookmark the permalink.

1 Response to LET US ALWAYS HAVE ONLY GOD IN OUR SIGHT

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate says:

    As I listen to Eugene and one of his sons this morning it is as if a bright light has been turned on. The early Oblates who were sent out did not all experience a perfect reception when they arrived in places to which they were sent. It was not just because of the “Bishops” they were sent to serve, but because of human nature.

    I think of Jesus, his disciples and followers. Jesus himself was put to death on a cross, while many of his sons and daughters were themselves put to death by others. Even Saul went out to destroy those who followed The Way (of Jesus) and he is now another of the early saints.

    The light that shines this morning helps me to see my own small self, rather than just the Bishops and hierarchy of the Church and how I decide to listen to my Superiors, my brothers and sisters. How easy it is to try and love, while in my heart I continue to find fault with others before opening my own eyes to ‘remove the planks’ that block me from seeing myself. It matters not if it is a part of our human nature. My ‘way’ is not the only way, it is not always the right way.

    Whether others feel it is their right to be and do as they wish, it is most important how we do this. I think of how before we begin the Liturgy of the Word we have the Confiteor, the Penitential Act:

    I confess to almighty God
    and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned,
    in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,
    through my fault…

    In truth I usually remain silent especially with the “most grievous fault” part. Which says more about me that I like to admit.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *