St. John Eudes is part of the French School of Spirituality.  He was one of the disciples of Pierre de Berulle who initiated this renewal movement in the 17th century France.  The French School is not a system nor a deduction from philosophical principles.  It is all about a person, JESUS CHRIST himself.  Hence, the marked Christocentrism in this school of spirituality.  

The living tradition which is the life blood of the religious and priestly families which evolved directly or indirectly from the French School also belongs to the the Church which it never stops vivifying.  The French School remains relevant today as it endeavored to tackle and grapple with realities that touches human need for the Transcendent:

• the sense of adoration
• the personal relationship with Jesus
• the rediscovery of the Holy Spirit, the apostolic spirit

Vatican II brought to fore the key notions of the spiritual heritage bequeathed to the Church by the French School:

• the universal call of all Christians to holiness;  lay people women and men religious, priests and deacons, called to personal union with Jesus at the heart of the Church and to apostolic witnessing.
• the understanding of the Church as Mystery:  Body of Christ, Temple of the Holy Spirit and People of God.

Another characteristic of the Berullian current, as French School is sometimes referred to, is the concern for "reunification, the integration from both the outside and the inside" of the Christian way of life.

What distinguishes St. John Eudes from his master is his practicality.  His soul was that of a missionary and the mission is foremost in his mind.  He attempts to provide his "dear reader" or his listeners with practical material they can put to use directly.  The challenge facing this pastor's heart was to help each Christian discover the riches of his/her Baptism.  The idea he proposes to every baptized person is to "FORM, SANCTIFY, ALLOW JESUS TO LIVE AND REIGN IN US."

In the Eudist spiritual heritage, our desire for converion will not translate into methodical efforts, even if such efforts are necessary, but will first command a loving and admiring look at Jesus:

• we contemplate him at length in a spirit of praise,
• we ask forgiveness for whatever is us in not him,
• we give ourselves to his Spirit asking him to destroy in us what is contrary to the life of Jesus, and make us live of his life.

Our life is meant to become the continuation and the fulfillment of the life of Jesus in the space and time we occupy.  We thus become missionaries ourselves.  Our sole concern is TO MAKE JESUS LIVE AND REIGN IN EVERY HUMAN HEART, so that each one may also have access to the riches of the Heart of Christ, the source of all life.


-  Adapted from Spiritual Itinerary for Today with St. John Eudes.