Tag Archives: BE in order to DO

THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: A SHINING EXAMPLE OF A LIFE THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

If we wish to achieve the same results as the Apostles and the first followers of the Gospel, we must use the same means as they, and this all the more because we do not have the power to perform … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: THE TECHNIQUES OF OUR SPIRIT

The major event of 1819 was the community of Missionaries establishing themselves at the shrine of Notre Dame du Laus in January. Until now the community had been based solely in Aix, and it had been easy to maintain the … Continue reading

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LIMITATIONS: CONVERTING LEMONS INTO LEMONADE

Illness and loss of voice made Eugene unable to participate fully in the Barjols mission and he had no choice but to accept and make the best of the situation: One must be patient, since the good God wishes this … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: THE QUALITIES NEEDED IN ORDER TO BE

Situations vacant! I conclude these reflections on the 1818 Rule with the picture that Eugene gives of the qualities required in a prospective candidate to the Missionaries. He has to have a great desire for his own perfection, an unlimited love … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: LETTING THE STORY TAKE OVER

The author Margaret Mahy speaks of the necessity to retreat from everyday activity “so the life of the story can take me over.” She continues: “That is why a writer often needs space and time, so that he or she … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: CONTEMPLATING THE MYSTERY WITH MARY

“As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 It was the pattern of Mary’s warm relationship with Jesus and her contemplation of his “virtues and example” that would be the model for … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: LIKE MARY

Mary’s encounter with the plan of God’s love for her had changed her life – just as Eugene’s encounter with God’s love had done. The Gospel of Luke narrates the response of Mary to the actions and words of her … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: LIVING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

What worked for Eugene, he wanted to share so that it would work for others and lead them to the same quality of BEING. The Rule thus continued with Eugene inviting his Missionaries to share in the same exercise of … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: ONGOING PROCESS OF RENEWING AND DEVELOPING A SPIRITUAL LIFE

Eugene’s realization that Jesus was his Savior led to an inner vision of a life commitment to living “all for God” – or a lifestyle of “oblation”, as he subsequently expressed it. So powerful was this conversion experience, that he … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: ONGOING PROCESS OF RENEWING AND DEVELOPING INNER RESOURCES

In living in healthy balance between doing and being, the Missionaries had the responsibility of studying and constantly renewing themselves and the contents of their preaching and teaching. When the missionaries are not on a mission, they will return with … Continue reading

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