Feeling Unworthy?

Feeling Unworthy? 

It’s not uncommon for young Catholics to think at least once in their lives – even in passing – about becoming a priest, or joining a religious order.  But almost as soon as that thought arises, another thought sometimes follows: “I’m not worthy to be one.”

The ending of this Sunday’s Gospel can stir up similar thoughts and feelings, when Jesus – speaking about something entirely different in response to the Pharisees’ criticism of his disciples for not following the additional customs of the Pharisees – says:

“For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly.  All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

If anything from that list reminds you of something similar within you, it’s easy to jump to the conclusion that even if you have thought of the priesthood or consecrated life – it’s not for you.  But if we understand what consecrated life is, we will see that’s not necessarily true.

Consecrated life has taken many forms from the Acts of the Apostles right up to our present day, as the Holy Spirit has inspired men and women over the centuries.  St. Benedict of Nursia was one such person whose following of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit left a lasting impact on the Church and on Consecrated Life ever since.  The rule of life he composed – drawing from experience and other collections of rules – is noted for its balance and moderation.  Sometimes in our religious enthusiasm, we can get a little carried away, and to try and do too much, or take on things which are unsustainable in the long run.

Interestingly, Benedictine Monks do not take the three vows we usually associate with religious life today: chastity, poverty, and obedience.  Rather, after a trial year in the novitiate, they promise: stability, conversion of life, and obedience.  And it is that second promise, of “conversion of life”, which is a good summary of what consecrated life is:

“Let him then who is to be received, in the oratory, in the presence of all the brethren, make promise of stability, of conversion of life and of obedience, in the presence of God and of His saints,”
(Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 58)

The Church has always seen consecrated life as a special path – but not the only path – to holiness, calling it the “way or state of perfection.”  It is not that you have to be perfect to join, but that – at Jesus’ invitation – you commit yourself to “conversion of life” – in this way, with this community – which leads to the perfection God is calling all people to in Heaven.