SVD
Generalate

Dear brothers and sisters, the nativity of Mary is the date chosen for the official registration of our beloved Society of the Divine Word. In the heart of Arnold and of so many who wanted missionary work in the context of Germany, this work was already there. The Holy Spirit, who would later be recognized as the “father of our congregation” had already done his work. Just as the Congregation was generated in the Spirit of God, Arnold and the generation of the first hour were also prepared by the same Spirit to recognize that something new would emerge.

Today’s Readings:

The liturgy of the word of this solemnity presents us with Micah’s prophecy pointing to the smallness of a land, Bethlehem of Ephrathah. But not only that, to the little ones who were waiting for a King. The Messiah will come from the line of David whose roots are in Bethlehem. The prophet speaks of what God puts in his heart and his prophecy is welcomed by those who have already received from God the desire for a new time. “It will be a time of peace!” says the prophet.

Today’s Gospel presents us with Jesus’ credentials, or in other words, his lineage. Jesus is the son of David and the son of Abraham. He belongs to the chosen people and must reign over these same people. He is the Christ, the savior, the Immanuel. These credentials go through Joseph, husband of Mary.

In the letter to the Romans, Paul reminds us that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.” What Paul calls predestination, I propose a reading in terms of the movement of the Spirit.

In this movement of the Spirit, Mary is chosen from among the young women of Nazareth. Mary waits like her people who have been waiting for their Redeemer for a long time.

“But I put my trust in your unfailing love, my heart will rejoice on seeing your salvation.” (Psalm 12, 6a)

At this moment I remember the words of Pope Francis during his address to the capitulars last June. “Do not be afraid of the confusion of today’s culture. The Spirit can come in there. So often in confusing situations the Spirit leads the Church forward.” And so, it was in the fullness of time, when God chose and cared for little Mary, so that she would be an integral part of the movement of the Spirit that wants to bring creation to its fullness. And so, it was in the times of Kulturkampf.

The Movement of the Spirit:

In this gentle dance that breaks with powerful schemes and ignores the wisdom of the arrogant, the movement of the Spirit filled the hearts of young people, boys and girls, with the desire to reach the ends of the world; The Spirit touched deeply within generous families who believed that such a small work could bring new vigor to the Church; The Spirit inspired religious leaders to recognize that the “finger of God” was acting where one could not expect. It was in Arnold Janssen and his companions who left their families to join this circle, that the Holy Spirit found enough docility with a good dose of courage. The generosity and spirit of sacrifice was the driving force of those young people.

If, on the day of the inauguration of the missionary house there were still uncertainties about the future of this work, what about the period that preceded it? This was the period when the Spirit worked gently.

As we begin our jubilee year of the 150 anniversary of the opening of this Missionary House and the founding of our Society with the Divine Word, I propose that we allow ourselves to be enveloped by the same Spirit of the Lord. Parallel to the commemorative events and liturgical celebrations that culminate next year, I insist that each one of us, members of Arnold’s missionary family, look around us, silence our desires and ask ourselves: what is the Spirit creating in me and in our lives, and in our Society at this time?

With Mary, within the chosen people, the Spirit created the salvation of humanity.

With Arnold, amid the adversities and political persecutions of his time, the Spirit raised not only an institute for missions but a family that today has 3 religious congregations and countless lay associates.

With us, on the threshold of 150 years since the founding of the Missionary House of Steyl, in times where wars are still fought over territories, over control of natural resources and over religion. In times of socio-environmental catastrophes, forced human migration and in times of technological revolution and loss of hope and meaning in life. Where will the Spirit lead us?

Conclusion:

Brothers and sisters, I hope I do not disappoint you by not dealing with the history of this house or our Holy Founder. Or even not mentioning the heroic deeds of our missionaries on this date. We have a year ahead of us to recover our historical memory and celebrate our life and mission. But, today, I believe that the protagonist of this celebration of the opening of the Jubilee Year is the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I invite you to kindness and discernment during this time. Every celebration, every event, every action throughout this year must be guided by the Holy Spirit. Just like in the lives of Mary, Arnold and his companions and so many missionaries who preceded us, we are called to be instruments of a work for tomorrow, but which is already in the heart of God today.

Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, SVD
Father Superior of the Society of the Divine Word