Meditation for October 18, The Merit of Religious Life

Why is consecration to God by the vows of religion of such im­mense merit in the opinion of eminent doctors and theologians, as for example, Suarez, who classes it according to its spiritual effects and its remission of the temporal punishments on the same level with baptism or martyrdom?

It is because of the perfection of the love of God which this con­secration testifies, perfection which can be measured by the gran­deur of the sacrifices for which love has rendered it capable.

Is it not the surest mark of the greatest love to make the offering of all that one holds most dear, through love of Our Lord Jesus Christ?

By the vow of poverty, one immolates material goods with the pleasures they might procure.

By the vow of chastity, the desires of the flesh and the joys of family life.

By the vow of obedience, independence and exterior liberty.

Let us note, besides, that it is not a question of an act made merely in passing but of a definitive offering, giving not only the fruit but the tree.

And if each time that one renews the vows, alone or publicly, she puts into that offering the same love as the first time, the same privileges are merited. Even more, for is it not reasonable that the more one perseveres in her gift, the more the intensity of love ought to increase?

"My God, let me not pass even one day without renewing my engagements. Consider each beating of my heart as a constant renewal of my three vows."
October 19

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Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)