Lessons From Our Founder

Jul 29

Every day, I read something from the words of our Oblate founder, Blessed Fr. Louis Brisson, OSFS. I recently read:

Let us be considerate toward another’s personality, toward the circumstances in which he lives, toward those with whom we struggle. Love in the imperfect confrere the good, which the Lord has put into him, the gifts of God. Consider him from that point of view in all our dealings with him, in our appreciation for him and in our judgments on him. Do not do anything just for ourselves. May our attention be continuously on the welfare of the congregation (Chapter 1896-1897).

He was talking about our life as Oblates, who belong together because of our vows; they also apply to our lives together as human beings, especially as the baptized.

First, Fr. Brisson tells us to be considerate toward a person’s life circumstances. We never know exactly what is going on in someone’s life. We presume to know at times, but we don’t know the whole picture.

Second, Fr. Brisson tells us to love the good in the imperfect person. The Lord has put good into her or him. We might not see or hear it at first, but when we look and listen long enough, we can see it and respond from that awareness. It means that I don’t write someone off. I try to look for that good and respond accordingly. As the saying goes, “Goodness begets goodness.”

When I look and listen for the good in someone, I am often more open to them, more compassionate, and more willing to work towards a solution that is beneficial to both of us. Looking for the spark of good that God has put into someone changes how I approach the person drastically, too.

Third, Fr. Brisson says: “Consider him from that point of view in all our dealings with him, in our appreciation for him and in our judgments on him.” This is quite a challenge. I’d rather ignore the other with whom I struggle. But, like me, she or he is a child of God, often a brother or sister in Christ, and so I try to make that my starting point. It is difficult, but not impossible. Appreciation helps put my judgments about the person in check and stay with them, even in difficult moments.

So, let’s look for the good in the person. Greet them even if they don’t greet back. Don’t let their way of being change yours. If they respond, great. If they don’t, well, you’ve been faithful to who you are. “Be who you are and be that well.”

Lastly, Fr. Brisson said: “Do not do anything just for ourselves. May our attention be continuously on the welfare of the congregation.” In addition to “congregation,” I add “of the community, of the greater good.” My mother used to tell me, “Paulie, it’s not all about you. There are other people in the world, you need to respect their rights.” There are times when I need to let go of my desires to respond to a greater good for the sake of living and working together.

Our founder’s life was based on the teachings of St. Francis de Sales. When we put both of their wisdom together, who knows what can happen…