Dear brothers, sisters and friends in the Assumption family,
The world in which we live is marked by self-interest, conflict, division, polarization, violence, and war. Instead of being discouraged, we need to see what we can do to improve the situation. As we celebrate the anniversary of the death of our Founder, let’s take a look at the importance of self-gift. By developing the gift of self we can find a meaning for our life in challenging circumstances and at the same time build a society less conflictual and more fraternal.
In 1870, in the presence of Saint Marie Eugenie, Fr. D’Alzon gave a spiritual lesson on self-gift to the Religious Sisters of the Assumption. He invited them to turn themselves “into a living sermon.” A Religious Sister of the Assumption “may be so overworked that she feels that she is shortening her own life. But does it matter? ‘I will live ten years less, but I will do more good than if I lived longer.’” And Fr. D’Alzon continued, “the best thing for you to do is to give yourselves generously, courageously, and without ulterior motives. That’s why you entered religious life. If you have died on the day of your profession, the moment of your burial would have been no more than a detail.” (Spiritual Writings, p. 627-628) Fr. D’Alzon said it to the Sisters, but he could have said it to each of us. And following the same logic, I can say that the message is for every Christian: If you have died on the day of your baptism, the moment of your burial would have been no more than a detail.
To honor the legacy of our Founder, let’s mediate on his own words in order to know how to commit ourselves wholeheartedly and give ourselves generously for the service of humanity:
“Now, what can be said about the ever-changing religious — giving himself to God one moment, and taking himself back the next? He’s like a spiritual weathervane, a prey to whatever wind comes along. It may not be that they are ‘carried about with every wind of doctrine; omni vento doctrinae’ (Eph 4:14), but by any word whatsoever. Fickle, flippant, flighty.
But here is the most appalling thing of all… the facility with which he breaks his vows. Mere weakness may be excusable — but surely when we make promises to God, we must take them seriously!… One will easily fail to take seriously what is most important. How offensive this is in the eyes of God!
A young man has given himself to God. He understood the terms of this transaction. He knew much suffering lay ahead. He realized that, despite his stumbles, vigorous efforts would have to be made. He gave himself, deliberately and unconditionally. The devil was able to tempt him, but did not triumph. This young man has transcended human motivation. His faith and his courage have enabled him to endure. Faith showed him what God and Jesus Christ mean and he said, ‘I will go. He gazed upon God (Is 6:5) and Our Lord Jesus Christ (Jn 1:14) — and he said: ‘Yes, I will go.’ He made this decision after many an inward struggle. But having said, ‘I give myself,’ he was true to his word because he is a man of honor. Yes, religious must be honorable in their dealings with God, as God himself said of himself, ‘Juravit Dominus et non poenitebit eum — The Lord has sworn and he will not repent’ (Ps 109:4 Vulgate).” An honorable religious may be tempted to opt for an easier life, but he will repel this temptation. He has promised God not only the fruit but the tree. And this religious is like the wise man who built his house on the rock (Mt 7:24–25). He cannot be shaken because he has given himself wholeheartedly.
Let us ask ourselves on what we have built and how solid the foundations are. Have we built on Jesus Christ? (1 Cor 3:10–11). Three replies are forthcoming. The cowardly religious will answer: ‘I gave 50%, but I just can’t give the other half.’ Then there is the tepid religious who only wishes to give of himself at the very last moment. Finally, the genuine religious searches his soul and promises that henceforth he will give himself whole and entire, to the point of becoming one with Jesus Christ: ‘qui adhaeret Domino, unus spiritus est — he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit’ (1 Cor 6:17) — so that he may have God as his recompense.” (Spiritual Writings, p. 1042-1043)
Happy Feast Day to all,
Fr. Chi Ai Nguyen
Provincial
