I have all my life desired to die a victim of charity. You know that this crown was withheld from me right from the first days of my ministry. The Lord had his designs since He wanted to trust me to give a new family to His Church; but for me it would have been a greater value to have died of the blessed typhus which I had contracted while serving prisoners.
Letter to Fr. Henri Tempier, 12 September 1849, EO X n 1018
REFLECTION
From the time of his ordination to the priesthood, Eugene had desired to give his life totally in martyrdom at the service of others. It nearly happened in 1814 when he almost died of typhus while ministering to Austrian prisoners of war. But God had other plans: he was to be God’s instrument in founding the Missionary Oblates.
How many martyrs of charity have we known in our lives? Not people who shed their blood in martyrdom, but rather sacrifice themselves for the good of others in their daily lives. My life is inspired and enriched by my encounter with many each day.
One would think that it would be easy for us to think of all the good we have done in our lives; but truthfully it is easier to look and witness the depth of the hearts of others.
If we set out to be with others who have given themselves over to God (oblation) we run the risk of letting-go of that which measures and judges worthiness. Willing and allowing ourselves to become martyrs of charity means standing before the Master Potter asking for the miracle of transformation of our small selves into vessels of love and beauty. Serving the other, serving all others takes daring and courage that God will not fail us. It is the heartbeat of love and communion to allowing ourselves to becoming who God has created us to be. Such is the flow of true life and joy among us.
Oblation! Such is the beginnings of communion.