Conformity to Christ is a fundamental aspect of the spirituality of Blessed Basil Moreau, CSC. He understood this spiritual way of life following the teachings of Saint Paul: “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who is living in union with me” [Galatians 2:20].
Conformity to Christ is made possible by a deep inner transformation in our soul. This transformation begins with an act of grace from the Trinity of divine persons through which we become new beings animated by new life, and participants in the very nature of God. It is this grace that makes our conformity to Christ possible. Because our outward conduct, our feelings and our manner of acting must conform to those of Jesus Christ, Father Moreau encouraged all the men and women of the Congregation of the Holy Cross to assimilate the thoughts, judgements, desires, words and actions of Jesus Christ.
Welcoming hospitality is part of the actions and feelings that Jesus himself recommends to us as disciples: “Whoever receives this young child on the basis of my name receives me also; and whoever receives me also receives the one who sent me” [Luke 9:48]. Saint Paul echoes this teaching of Christ: “So welcome one another, just as the Christ also welcomed you, with the glory of God in view” [Romans 15:7]. In a context where Saint Paul speaks of new life in Christ, he encourages us to follow the example of Jesus and to “always be ready to practice hospitality” [Romans 12]. The Letter to the Hebrews repeats the same teaching: “Do not forget hospitality, for through it some unknowingly entertained angels” [Hebrews 13:2].
The Constitutions of the Brothers and Fathers of the Holy Cross impel us to continue “our tradition of hospitality…. and the sincerity, simplicity and delicacy of our welcome” [40]. May the desire to conform to Christ according to the spirituality of Blessed Basil Moreau CSC and the theme of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, “God Welcomes Us”, continue to inspire the members of the Congregation of Holy Cross and their collaborators as we enter the year 2020.
