Apostolate January 16
As religious we hear the call to free ourselves by professing a commitment to the Christian responsibility of collaborating in the work of bringing love and justice into this world (Const. 2.1).
The profession of the vows frees the minister and supports the ministry. By their observance of the evangelical counsels, religious ministers of the Church are well prepared to respond to the ministerial demands of Mt 10: 9-10: “Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts;
no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick” (Lk 10:4 adds “and greet no one along the way”). Gold, money and tunics in the traveling bag signify the security that the goods of this world provide. Evangelical poverty, which counts on Divine Providence, unburdens one about security. Footwear symbolizes the concern about being wounded on the road, whereas the walking stick represents the preoccupation with having energy for the long haul. Evangelical obedience, convinced of the effectiveness of the Divine Plan, frees one from that concern. The need to greet others brings to mind the fear of losing loved ones. Evangelical chastity, overwhelmed by Divine Love, liberates from that fear. All these human concerns can compromise Christian ministry, unless there is faith and a continuing formation that strengthens and intervenes.
The milk of thunder is drunk by the daring. (Burundi)
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