There is an understanding in Religious life that one embraces it
with an attitude of self-giving and abandonment to the Will of God as
manifested in the will of one's Religious Superior. The whole purpose
of embracing the life of the vows is to be stripped of one's will and
preferences for the love of God (and this is an important qualifier) so
that one gains the freedom of the spirit to follow wherever God's will
leads us.
But having said that, I must also add that in
my Community at least (I can only speak for mine), a spirit of dialogue
and consultations is normal. Consideration is given to the Sister's
talents and abilities and consideration also as to where she can serve
God and the elderly best. Now, it will happen that the needs of the
Congregation will dictate a different approach. Taking myself as an
example, my Community has always used my training as a nurse in all of
my assignments. But in my recent change of position, my Community is
asking me to function in a role I was not trained for or had no
previous experience in. This is where the Vow of Obedience comes in.
In other words, yes, leadership looks at your potentials but are not
always bound by them. This is where religious ministry differs from a
regular job. Religious life always look out for the common good, not
just oneself. We constantly remember that one does not become a Sister
/ Brother just to do good works. As Mother Teresa used to say," we
(religious) are not called to be successful but to be faithful." The
actions of a religious are not her own. By freely embracing the vows,
we surrender our will to the will of another. If a Community goes by
the practice of what I had just described, well and good, thanks be to
God, but it doesn't have to. That's why religious life is a vocation.
Not everybody can accept this attitude. God cannot use us effectively
if we do not venture out to paths unknown and untried.
__________________
No comments:
Post a Comment