Continual Newness

Jul 8

This weekend we celebrate the Mass of Perpetual Profession of Mr. Matthew Trovato, OSFS. This is the moment when Matt will profess his vows as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales for life. It is a moment of profound grace and tremendous significance, not only for Matt, but for our entire Oblate community.

For the past several years, Matt has professed temporary vows, renewing his commitment one year at a time. This weekend, that journey reaches a deeper commitment as he professes those same vows for life. Something new is happening in Matt's life.

The companion article for this DeSales Weekly is written by Fr. Dave Whalen, OSFS, who once served also as our Provincial Superior. He titled his reflection, Reflections of an Old Oblate. I remember asking one of our elder Oblates for advice on aging. Without missing a beat, he replied, "I don't know. I've never done this before." Fr. Dave speaks about conversion in his article. As I read it, even after decades of religious life, something new is happening in Fr. Dave's life.

Every day, God is doing something new. One of the often-cited hallmarks of our Salesian Spirituality is its focus on the present moment. We are invited to live this day well. Every day carries a newness to it. The truth is though, newness can be exhausting.

I experience this newness and subsequent exhaustion every time I drive a rental car. Where do I control the AC? How do I turn on the lights? Why are the windshield wipers moving? All new. All exhausting.

There is a common thread weaving its way through Matt's profession, Fr. Dave's reflection, and our daily lives. In each, God is doing something new.

And here is the part that makes me smile. In the ritual for Matt's profession, after he announces his resolve to live his life as an Oblate, the Provincial prays:

"May the One who has begun this good work in you bring it to fulfillment unto the day of Christ Jesus."

That prayer is not asking God to leave Matt where he is. It is a prayer for continual newness. It is asking Christ to continue the work He has begun. May the Lord continue shaping, stretching, and transforming him.

We bless the newness, exhaustion, aging, wonder, confusion, curiosity, instability, and awe. These are all signs that the Holy Spirit is at work.