1. CONSECRATED LIFE “LIVING MEMORIAL” OF THE REVEALED WAY OF JESUS’ BEING AND ACTING

1.1.    Consecrated life in the framework of divine revelation

         The identity of consecrated life cannot be established from below or with  criteria of a purely

natural character. In fact, it is not a merely philosophical or sociological question. Its characteristic notes can be pointed out only on the basis of the fullness of revelation, which is found in Christ.

         To describe the “reality” of consecrated life, it is indispensable to refer to the “Reality” of the Most Holy Trinity”, (VC 111a), which is at its origin and is its goal.

            To approach the intimate nature of consecrated life it is equally necessary to take as inevitable the “most holy humanity” of the incarnate Word, who, also in this horizon, must be recognized as the true “Way”. (Jn 14:6)  The meaning of consecrated life must be sought and can be found only in the contemplation of the consecrated Christ.

            Consecrated life, in the Christian sense used here, cannot be considered a plant born and raised in no-man’s-land, because it sprang up and developed in the land of Christ. Consecrated life appeared incarnate in the flesh of Christ, mediator and fullness of the revelation of the Father.

            Whoever accepts consecrated life as a work of God and gift come down from heaven, walks in the humility of truth and avoids falling into vainglory or the temptations born from a spirit of self-sufficiency. The recognition of the objective excellence of the Gospel values of consecrated life must happen in full respect of the Pauline theological principle:  “And if it was given you, how can you boast as though it were not?” (1Cor 4:7)