Rule
Chapter Four
THE LIFE OF CHASTITY
FOR THE SAKE OF THE KINGDOM
The international groups given the task of
composing this Rule, especially the Work Group that met in Brussels, were convinced, at
least the majority of them, that it was not necessary to present a specific chapter on
chastity. According to them, Francis' thought on it already influenced the entire text and
was particularly evident in articles 7, 8 and 26, especially expressed in the concept of
< to adore the Lord God with singleheartedness and purity of intention>>,
pervaded by the exclusive disposition by which one dedicates his or her own self to the
love and service of God. Following a discussion of alternative proposals, the general
assembly in Rome (1982) accepted this point of view.
The Congregation for Religious and for Secular
Institutes, however, was not of the same opinion; therefore, the B.F.I. later presented
this chapter which was then accepted as an integral part of the Rule.
It logically follows the topic of prayer which already emphasizes
our union with God. In fact, chastity's goal is to emphasize and perfect that union.
ARTICLE 14
Let the brothers and
sisters keep in mind how great a dignity the Lord God has given them, because he created
them and formed them in the image of his beloved Son according to the flesh and in his own
likeness according to the Spirit. Since they are created through Christ and in Christ,
they have chosen this form of life which is founded on the words and deeds of our
Redeemer.
CONTENT:
a) invitation to consider our dignity;
b) the meaning of our choice.
ATTITUDES:
a) - sense of gratitude for such a dignity;
b) the awareness of the reasons for our choice.
These words taken from the Admonitions represent Francis'
theological intuition which will later be developed in Franciscan Christological doctrine.
The Redeemer's life, example and invitation are the basis of our
positive response in favor of << this form of life>>.
ARTICLE 15
Professing
chastity for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, they are to care for the things of the
Lord and they have nothing else to do except to follow the will of the Lord and to please
him. In all of their works the love of God and all people should shine forth.
CONTENT:
a) the meaning of << chastity>> for
the sake of the Kingdom;
b) concern for the things of the Lord;
c) these motives should be manifested in daily living.
ATTITUDES:
a) correspond to the lofty spirit of the content;
b) awareness that <<charity>> will also be manifested externally
through chastity
The scriptural demands help us to understand the deepest meaning of the Gospel
phrase << for the sake of the Kingdom>>. It informs us that this is not a
final expression, but a causal one; that is, we do not dedicate ourselves to a life of
chastity in order to be freer and more available to build the Kingdom of God, but because
of its superabundant presence in us. Thus in each religious Christ's existential
experience is repeated; he was <<so taken by and absorbed with the urgency and
presence of the Kingdom that he could not do anything other than dedicate himself totally
to its fulfillment>. The presence of God's <<sovereignty and majesty>> does
not leave room for other <<loves>> or concerns. 10
10 Cf. Francis J. Moloney, Disciples and Prophets, London, 1982, pp.
113-117.
ARTICLE 16
They are to remember that they
have been called by a special gift of grace to manifest in their lives that wonderful
mystery by which the Church is joined to Christ her spouse.
CONTENT:
a) we represent that <<wonderful mystery>> of the
Church which is the union of Christ with his spouse, the faithful gathered together.
ATTITUDES:
a) we are imbued with this reality.
Here the Rule makes its own the Biblical theme of the spiritual union of Christ
and the Church, an idea that is already prefigured in the Old Testament, in the
<<marriage>> of Yahweh and the people of Israel.
Religious, by their vow of chastity, with which they renounce marriage, reflect
this complete dedication to the one Lord which, in its turn, is the reflection of the
spiritual marriage which unites the Church with her one and only love, Christ the Lord.
This is not a way for living isolated or separated from society, or apathetic
about it, but a way which is generous and munificent and, there should be no need to
mention it, based exclusively on faith.
ARTICLE 17
Let the brothers and the sisters keep
the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, ever before their eyes. Let
them do this according to the exhortation of St. Francis who held Holy Mary, Lady and
Queen, in highest veneration, since she is the virgin made church. Let them also remember
that the immaculate Virgin Mary, whose example they are to follow, called herself the
handmaid of the Lord.
CONTENT:
a) the Blessed Virgin is the ideal example;
b) in imitation of St. Francis.
ATTITUDES:
a) venerate Mary, Lady and Queen, << virgin made
church>>'
b) imitate her, especially in her self-description as the
<< handmaid of the Lord;>> It should be the concern of every Franciscan to
deepen his or her knowledge of the details of Francis' devotion to Our Lady, in his
upbringing in the chivalric culture and in his special love for St. Mary of the Angels.
The example of such a father is in addition to the
theological reasons for our devotion to Mary.
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