Help
With Your Rule
A Rule Assists
"...[a] Rule of Life also assures... of a regular life and of fidelity to the spirit of the [Carmelite] Order. Many people today want to live a spiritual life, but often find that they do not know how to organize their lives in a regular way. The Rule of Life helps create a setting of constancy of purpose and disciplined, orderly living. The Rule is a protection against inconstancy and haphazardness, and assists your concentration on the goal of prayerful union with God..."
from 'The Teresian Charism' by Michael D. Griffin OCD, in "Welcome to Carmel", Teresian Charism Press, Wisconsin, 1990, p30.
posted by Holly at 10:19 AM
1 Comments:
I've had a few women write to me lately telling me of comments from friends and family who dismiss a rule of life as impossible. This has discouraging effects on one's soul, I think. Perhaps it is a bit of sour grapes which inclines people to scoff at what the Church has always held as a valid and important means to Christian perfection.
Look at the benefits -
1. A rule assists concentration on the goal of union with God.
A friend of mine complained that she was missing morning prayer because she slept in late and didn't get around to her walks either. Upon analysis, it was clear that the reason was due to staying up late the night before. And staying up late was because there was no thought of tomorrow. And there was no thought of tomorrow because there was no sense of purpose or mission about life. Life was lived as a whim, from moment to moment, without any guiding direction.
But a rule of life helps us to focus, and take sure steps to where God is calling us and where we want to go. Planned, purposeful living will produce the fruits of peace and joy AND holiness. And all because we figured out when we were to do our prayer and mop our floors!
2. A Rule aids in constancy.
Having a rule consciously thought out aids us in being consistent primarily because of it's authority. You see, since our rule is based on what we have determined is "best" for us and our family, it carries with it a certain importance which acts as a motivator to us. It keeps our purpose before us and helps us live it.
3. A Rule leads to disciplined orderly living.
Once the pain of disorder is overcome, no one who has tried it will "want" to go back to disorder. No one really likes being overwhelmed or mediocre (excpet that girl in the 'mediocre' milk commercials...).
*
Don't let anyone tell you a rule of life is a waste of time. The Catholic Church herself will tell you it is a primary means to holiness, and the saints will concur. It's fruits will convince you...
Post a Comment
<< Home