Adapted from an article by Sr. Renee Daigle, MSC. Read the complete article at [ Ссылка ]
The promises of poverty, celibacy, and obedience are less about giving things up than about living a full and free life.
Building up, not giving up
The reason to choose a vowed life is to participate in the mission of Jesus in a radical way. The vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience are meant to free us rather than constrict us so that we can spend our energy and time building up the kingdom of God.
The vow of poverty: When enough is enough
Poverty means developing a healthy practice of using the word enough. The vow of poverty is a call to live simply, to be satisfied with what you have, and to share with others.
Celibacy: Set free to love
In choosing celibacy, it is a choice not to marry, which is very different from saying you "can't get married." Although celibacy is the biggest "price" one has to pay in receiving the incredible gift of religious life— it is oh so worth it!
Obedience: Paying attention
Through obedience you seek to follow God's will and consecrate yourself to God's service. You are called to live each day attentive to your community's mission and your part in it. By accepting changes and challenges, some of which you did not initially embrace, you grow in ways you never could have imagined.
To be available
The many forms of ministry and mission in vowed life provide rich and diverse experiences. While the pace can at times seem frenzied, the vowed life allows you the freedom to be available for whatever an extravagantly loving God has in store.
Read the complete article in VISION's digital edition: [ Ссылка ]
