March 19, 2004

My Dear Missionaries,

For some time now I have wanted to approach this subject with you.  Especially in our growing awareness of how little present day culture respects this value.  In times gone by it was of fundamental importance and beyond question.  Enormous and rapid change in modern thought, the vertiginous succession of events, the tendency to seek out novelty that represents a restless creativity – all these things undermine the value of faithfulness and make it appear anachronistic.  In our western world one passes with ease from one political party to another, from one religion to another, from married life to living out of wedlock.  This no longer seems to shock anyone – we are so accustomed to a society which rapidly discards our more meaningful experiences and serious life choices.  Faithfulness no longer appeals to the younger generation.  They see it as something defensive, an effort to freeze the status quo and preclude new developments in the future.

The unconditional faithfulness of consecrated life is under attack.  To many its foundation appears fragile; young people frequently question its very essence or intrinsic value.  Why should I make a life-long choice?  Who can guarantee that I will be faithful to that choice?  Why not make short-term choices and leave myself open for future developments?  Once I have taken the decisive step problems (sometimes agonizing problems) continue to assail me:  how can I renew my dedication and avoid passivity or falling into a rut?  Can I continue to be satisfied with life-choices I made in the past?

The consequences of these recurring doubts are staring us in the face with often harmful and dramatic results:  a large percentage of the young people who make their first profession never arrive at a final commitment;  many of those who make final profession or receive Holy Orders leave after only a few years.

Our missionary consecration implies faithfulness to God who has called us, but faithfulness as well to those to whom He sends us.  To discern how we can live our consecrated ad vitam, missionary vocation joyfully we will study this phenomenon first in its human and contemporary aspects and then from a theological, ascetical perspective. 

Obstacles to a “faithful” consecrated life

Such obstacles abound in present-day life and thinking.  Young people (and others not so young) find it difficult to see their  consecration to God as a  missionary in terms of life-long faithfulness that precludes second thoughts or the possibility of changing direction.  Some of these obstacles:

-         Our culture concentrates on the future and ignores the past.  It is inclined to look to the future and plan new projects oblivious of the lessons of history.  Creativity and planning are far more important than an interest in the past or loyalty to acquired values.

-         Our consumer society relishes unlimited choice – and this makes decision difficult and uncertain.  The wide variety of options is intimidating - we fear making an unwise choice.  This uncertainty is reflected in the area of human and spiritual values and influences our life plans.  Why should we make one choice and stick to it; life may present many other possibilities in the future?

-         Undoubtedly this tendency is abetted by currents of modern thought that see man in the context of absolute freedom, unencumbered by changeless values.  Since human beings simply exist they are responsible to no one and can live their lives as they please.  At the same time psychology’s emphasis on the subconscious  could lead to the conclusion that human existence is so controlled by unconscious instincts that free choice is virtually impossible.

-         Certain currents in modern theology may have inadvertently contributed to a  weakening of loyalty to religious commitment.  In the Exodus we see God calling man to a pilgrimage towards the future – a pilgrimage that follows the rhythm of history.  We might see the vocation of consecrated persons as an ongoing quest for ever deeper meaning in our lives, something that might call into question choices made in the past.  The Second Vatican Council reflected on the various  charisms in the Church and emphasized the equal dignity of every vocation.  Some might question the value of  consecrated life and its counter-intuitive commitments - in the last analysis it is only one of  many possible choices for a believer.

It is possible to remain faithful!

Faithfulness in the consecrated life or any other life-choice is not an illusion or an unattainable goal.  From a genetic or cultural perspective every human being has an innate inclination to faithfulness or loyalty.  No human being is born without a background (he is not “tabula rasa”).  To be born into a specific family, specific period of history and specific society involves a whole series of elements that will inevitably influence one’s future life.  Every human being at birth bears within himself the seeds of his future life.  Some relations and situations are predetermined;  others will develop gradually into permanent and stable commitments resulting from free choice.  If we avoid any permanent commitment we will never find fulfillment, our lives will be condemned to  failure.  Permanent commitment gives fulfillment and meaning to our existence.  The greater an individual’s commitment, the greater his exercise of freedom. 

Can any commitment be definitive?  Daily life and experience have taught all of us that as long as we are alive there can always be “surprises.”  Nonetheless if we live the present faithfully we can control our future and adhere to the path we have chosen.  If we are faithful in the present we can depend on the future being what we hope for.  Humanly speaking care and perseverance in the present  is our only guarantee for the future.  Our margin of certainty will increase if this commitment involves our whole being:  feelings, intelligence and will.  Even though we know the importance of intelligence and will in our lives,  it would seem nowadays that feelings govern our life-choices.  I choose something because it pleases me – or I give something up because it no longer pleases me!  An even greater guarantee of certainty comes from God’s action in us;  hope is not just a human instinct – it is also divine.  God is the main reason for and unassailable foundation of our hope to persevere in life-choices made with His inspiration.

What are the characteristics of faithfulness?  Since the term “faithfulness” is patient of many interpretations we do well to define our terms at the outset.  For us, faithfulness is not the purpose for but rather the result of a choice.  My vows are not a goal in and of themselves but rather a sign of my consecration to God.  This choice is so important that I am committed to persevering in it my whole life long.  Commitment comes before faithfulness.  Faithfulness is not a simple repetition of the past in the present, or of the present in the future.  It is instead, growth, continuous re-discovery,  a creative effort to live in the present as I strove to live in the past.  One seeking to be faithful cannot deny the past but must learn from it if he is to be authentic in carrying out present commitments.  Faithfulness is not stagnation, nor is it legalism;  rather it is a creative effort in the present with an eye to what lies ahead in the future.

Faithfulness – but to whom?  First of all we must banish all those  preconceptions that define our lives as a commitment to formulas, ideas or abstract notions such as religious vows.  Faithfulness – of any kind – always refers to persons:  the family, the spouse, young people, the poor, God.  Vows and formulas are but an expression of commitment to someone.  Faithfulness is the way I live out my love of God and others, and if this love is to be authentic it must be lasting.

Foundation and Characteristics of Christian Faithfulness

We mentioned briefly the human elements involved in faithfulness and  discovered that it is not something alien to mature adults.  Now we must  examine the Word of God and reflect theologically on the foundation and characteristics of faithfulness for Christians and consecrated individuals.

We are faithful because our God is faithful.  We read in the Old Testament that God established a covenant with his people – it was eternal and unfailing, a genuine act of love for Israel.  God’s behavior towards his people is constant – he will never abandon this covenant no matter how far the people stray.  His is the faithfulness of a loving, merciful and patient father. 

God’s faithfulness to mankind reaches its apogee in Jesus of Nazareth.  Christ is a revelation of how we and all mankind can be faithful to God.  On our behalf, Jesus becomes the definitive “consent” to the Father.  What path did Jesus show us that assures life-long faithfulness to God?

Faithfulness to and confidence in him.  This is the foundation and point of departure.  Faith is not so much theory as it is action and practice.  It engages our whole person and involves obedience to God’s Word and to the whole Gospel.  It includes daily action and activity – not just in the dramatic moments of life but in every day living.  A hallmark of faithfulness to God is radical, “Christian” love that begins with God and extends to our neighbor involving the heart, intelligence and will.  Love is the very soul of faithfulness.

Faith in God as our ultimate goal begets faithfulness and commitment within the Christian reality born of Christ’s  Incarnation – the Church.  Here we love God by loving our brother; we find ample scope for mutual forgiveness and celebrate the greatest of all mysteries, the Eucharist.  Every commitment we make to God involves a commitment – in faithfulness – to our brothers.  We feel the God of the Exodus and the Risen Lord near to us.

The Church is a community of diverse charisms where “there remains … a true equality between all with regard to the dignity and to the activity which is common to all the faithful in the building up of the Body of Christ” (Lumen Gentium 21).  Our specific task as missionaries and religious is to give strong and enduring witness of dedication to God for the sake of the Kingdom by proclaiming the Gospel  ad gentes  in the way set out by Blessed Allamano and our Institute.  The keystone of our faithfulness to the Institute and the missions is the commitment we have made to God – our covenant with Him.  This is why our Founder insisted on holiness of life for missionaries – so that their covenant with God would in some way measure up to the One who has called them.  Since God is our partner in this covenant – our religious consecration – our dedication will by nature be radical and definitive.  In the last analysis, “faithfulness” means much more than merely staying in the Institute.  It implies “staying” and living out our vocation fully.

Is this commitment to  God within the Christian community rash?  Only in certain circumstances.

-         If this choice and commitment ad vitam were my own initiative instead of a gift from God.  God does not repent of having called me!

-         There is never a shortage of problems but  God has promised me his help and presence.  If I trust in Him his help and presence will never fail.

-         I must never forget that faith in the Lord who called me is essential.  “I know in whom I have placed my trust!” (2 Tm 1,12).  He will never allow me to be tempted beyond our strength (Cf. 1 Cor 10,13).

-         Finally I cannot forget that my vocation is in and of the Church.  The whole Christian community is involved in my efforts to be faithful.  The Church accompanies, supports and encourages me.  I can never withdraw my commitment as if it were a purely personal affair.  My vocational choice involves so many of my brothers in faith who have witnessed my consecration to God.

Cultivate Relationships that Foster Faithfulness

Our consideration of faithfulness should not concentrate solely on the fear of losing it – we should reflect on everything that enriches and makes it more meaningful.  Faithfulness is not usually a problem for those just starting out in life - rather it is the concern of those of us who have been at this for some time and  face the often difficult task of  renewing and keeping our enthusiasm.  Here are some suggestions about how to do this.

1. Cultivate a relationship with God through prayer

We saw above that God is the firm foundation and everlasting source of our faithfulness.  If our relationship with God is one of love, abandonment, trust and deep faith – our hopes for perseverance will be rewarded.  There are many ways to make our relationship with God more meaningful and they all revolve around the prayerful spirit so encouraged by our Founder.  According to Allamano a day without prayer was a wasted day.  “To hear the voice of the Spirit we must cultivate an aptitude for recollection and silence” (61).

Anniversaries and jubilees can become an occasion for reaffirming and strengthening the spirit of our vocation.  After speaking about the best way of celebrating these events, Blessed Allamano goes on to say:  “This is an intimate feast, lived between God and us.  It is a loving feast that reminds us of how much God loves us and of the great gifts he has given us in spite of our unworthiness.  This feast revives our faith and our charity:  it spurs us on to holiness and renews the spirit within us” (VS 268).

2. Live daily life with intensity

Our founder advised his missionaries that if they wanted to nurture their vocation they should live each day and each moment fully and intensely – each day was a new beginning.  Our lives unfold one moment at a time, one day at a time.  We cannot live our lives all at once.  The past is no longer with us and the future has not yet arrived, all we have is the present in which to live.  We must live it well and consider everything we do meaningful – in this way we can be sure of doing God’s will and fulfilling our vocation.

Blessed Allamano urged his missionaries to be faithful in little things and they would be sure to be faithful in what was important.  Even a cursory reading of Vita Spirituale will bring home the importance of this conviction.  Here are a few passages that reflect this:

-         The members of our Institute must work on their holiness by being faithful in little things.  May God help you to understand this lesson and fill you with the fervor of his grace!

-         Faithfulness to the rules – even the minor ones;  observe them all completely – even the least important detail.  Each little rule is a vehicle of God’s grace.

-         Faithfulness to devotions in common – God blesses prayer together more abundantly.

-         Faithfulness to recreation periods;  this is one way to gain much merit and practice piety, prudence and charity.

-         Faithfulness in carrying out specific tasks;  perform these tasks seriously and with detachment.  Do not seek your own convenience – something that can happen only too easily.

-         Faithfulness to an intelligent use of time;  take full and intense advantage of all the time at your disposal;  commit your full ability, will and attention to what you are doing.

For Allamano “faithfulness” and “obedience” were the same thing.  The same adjectives he used to describe the Missionary’s obedience are applied to faithfulness.  It must be constant, energetic, prompt and generous on all occasions but especially in our every day life.

Living the present with intensity ensures the fullness and meaningfulness of our whole life; it keeps our ideals ever before our eyes and gives our existence a sense of direction.  It is an appropriate response to God who reveals his Will to the watchful and attentive soul and suffuses our vocation with joy. As Blessed John XXIII put it:  “I am like an empty sack that must be filled.  I have no other concern but to carry out God’s will day by day.  Believe me, this is the most beautiful life possible.”

3. Appreciate community life and let oneself be guided by one’s brothers

Community is an important aid to faithfulness.   In it a missionary can feel himself accepted as a disciple of the Master and find abundant possibilities for growth in all dimensions of his consecrated life.  God himself has given me these brothers who support the pilgrimage of faithfulness that is my calling.  They share with me the God-given vocation  of a follower of Blessed Allamano.  The presence of these brothers represents strength, assurance and a genuine treasure for all of us.

We must maximize our appreciation of community and exploit all the advantages it provides: common prayer, spiritual communion, the Eucharist, community study and discussion of the Word of God, fraternal correction and a chance to relax.  Each of us must do all we can to build community – we cannot be simply passive recipients of its benefits.  To the extent that I give myself to others I will be enriched by them.

There is yet another important aid to faithfulness I would bring to your attention:  spiritual direction.  We live in an era of uncertainty and disorientation with regard to the circumstances of our life and missionary service.  A spiritual director is ever more important – we need direction.  We should not simply seek out someone more experienced than ourselves who can provide support – rather we should create a “fraternal communion” in which the Risen Lord is in our midst and sheds light on our journey.

Conclusion

I would like to conclude these thoughts with an original text:  “In Praise of Unfaithfulness.”  Paradoxically it explains effectively the secret of faithfulness.

Blessed is he who has decided in his heart to be unfaithful to himself, to his projects and to what he has planned and promised.

Blessed is he who has entrusted the direction of his life to Another and has promised to play the role - in the divine comedy – that this Director assigns him.

Blessed is he who leaves Him free to confound schemes – He who like the wind blows where He wills;  you know whence He comes but not wither He goes:  He is free, creative and always unpredictable.  To live in thrall to the Spirit.  To go from what is certain to the uncertain, from the known to the unknown.  The adventure of a new and unimaginable life.

Coherence is logical.  But it does not allow the Spirit the creative expression that is his characteristic.  Incoherence is illogical.  But it possesses the logic of God’s plan.  Its symmetry comes from above.  Incoherence for the sake of greater coherence.

We should abandon the security of the helm,  unfold our sails and entrust ourselves to the Spirit![1]

May St. Joseph (the Church calls him a “faithful man”) be our advocate.  May he strengthen our vocational and missionary resolve.  May he help us to anticipate daily the joy of our final encounter with God when He will say, “Well done good and faithful servant.  Because you have been faithful in little things I will set you over great things.  Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Mt 25,21).

Fraternally in Our Lady, the Consolata.

Father Piero Trabucco, imc

(Father General)