ONE HAS NO INFIRMITIES AND FEELS AS THOUGH ONE WERE ONLY THIRTY YEARS OF AGE

The end of my 67th year. I am entering my 68th. Thus the years add up without one being aware of it. We go forward to the tomb year by year. Nevertheless, it is possible to measure the distance travelled on the day on which our attention is fixed on celebrating the anniversary of our entry to the world. What does it matter that one has no infirmities and feels as though one were only thirty years of age. One is obliged to take account of the day which recalls that of one’s birth.

Eugene de Mazenod’s Diary, 1 August 1849, EO XXII

REFLECTION

Eugene had had some severe health complications earlier in his life which had necessitated long periods of recuperation. Once he became Bishop of Marseilles, in addition to being Superior General of the Oblates, he had a heavy schedule of commitments that seemed to have rejuvenated him – making him feel as if he were still 30 years old!

We call this the “grace of state” where God gives us the graces and strength necessary to fulfil his work. St Paul refers to this when he exclaims:

“The Lord said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)