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Brookline Carmel Bulletin                         J M J T

February 28, 1960

 

 

Cogitatio Sancta

(Holy Meditation)

 

Carmelite Apostolate

 

Many of our previous bulletins have dealt with the process of purifying and perfecting ourselves so as to bring ourselves into conformity with the will of God.  Lest some may conclude that this is the entire program of Carmel, it may be well here to remind ourselves that a very essential part of that program is the apostolate of souls – the apostolate of prayer plus (in the case of the First and Third Orders) some “active” apostolate.  The form, which this active apostolate takes, will depend upon the individual and his talents and circumstances, but it will rarely be absent.  The opening lines of the Constitutions of the First Order (i.e., the Friars) explain:  “Although all those who are inspired with the desire for eternal happiness engage in works of charity, nevertheless since the act of charity is twofold, namely the love of God and of neighbor, Holy Mother Church has divided the undertakings of Her children into two classes, of which the one devotes itself to God alone, while the other serves its neighbor for love of God.  This twofold mission has been conferred upon our Order by God… in such a way that the more prominent part should be the contemplation and love of divine things, while the less prominent part should be action, especially that which pertains to the salvation of one’s neighbors.”  The Rule of the Third Order begins with the statement:  “The Third Secular Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel and of the Holy Mother Saint Teresa of Jesus is an association of persons who, though living in the world, desire to aim at Christian perfection in the way most suitable to their state of life, according to the spirit and under the direction of the Order of Discalced Carmelites…” Paragraph 2 states that “The object of our Third Order, following the example of the friars and nuns of the Order, is to give glory to God, to honor our Blessed Lady of Carmel, and to aid our holy Mother the Church by their prayers” (the apostolate of prayer).  Paragraph 72 refers to active apostolate, as it states:  “Tertiaries, who by their position or their gifts of nature or fortune bestowed upon them by God are qualified to take an active part in works of charity and zeal, should devote their efforts to these objects as being not only in accordance with the intentions of the Church, but also, in perfect harmony with the Carmelite Rule, which is inspired by the twofold love of God and our neighbor.”

 

It should be clear, then, that the life of the Carmelite is a “mixed” life, in that he or she must give special emphasis to the contemplative element (i.e., the life of prayerful union with God), while at the same time not neglecting to give some consideration to the needs of others.  The assistance given to others will consist of both prayer and works of charity.  Not the least among the latter is the apostolate of good example, which will inspire others to greater fervor in the service of God.  The Carmelite’s apostolate should not be limited to those within the fold, for Our Lord’s command was to “go and teach all nations.”  In fact, the exemplary life of one soul striving for perfection can do more to edify those outside the Church and to break down prejudice than almost any other influence.  A holy life, coupled with a friendly attitude and a sincere desire to understand (even though it may not be possible to agree with) the beliefs of others, is one of the most effective means of bringing Christ to those who know Him imperfectly or not at all. 

 

The task of spreading the kingdom of Christ does not rest upon priests alone.  They have, to be sure, a special responsibility and a prominent role in this work, but without the cooperation of the laity their efforts will lack some of the effectiveness they might otherwise have.  Conversely, the preaching of Christ’s priests can be enhanced immeasurably by the example of devout lay people, among whom Carmelite Tertiaries should be by no means least.  “Let your light shine before men,” Our Lord commanded, “in order that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”  We do not perform our good works in order that men may give glory to us.  It is our Father in heaven to Whom all glory is due, and Our Lord points out that our good works can influence others to give Him that glory.  If our motive is a selfish one, we gain nothing.  “Take heed,” He warns, “not to do your good before men, in order to be seen by them; otherwise you shall have no reward with your Father in heaven.”  Our goal in the spiritual life must be to purify our intention in all that we do – to do all “in the name of the Lord” – for His sake.  “You therefore are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  May He help us to attain this most sublime of all ideals!

 

 

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