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A Walk in Time
6. It is precisely in the simple day-to-day living
that consecrated life progressively matures to become the proclamation of an
alternative way of living to that of the world and the dominant
culture. Given this style of life and the search for the Absolute, it suggests,
as it were, a spiritual therapy for the evils of our time. Thus, it is a
blessing and a reason for hope, in the heart of the Church, for human life and
the very life of the Church.21
In addition to the active presence
of new generations of consecrated persons who bring the presence of Christ to
the world and the splendour of the ecclesial charisms to life, the hidden and
fruitful presence of consecrated men and women who are experiencing old age,
loneliness, illness and suffering is also particularly significant. In addition
to the service already rendered and the wisdom which they can share with
others, they add their own particular precious contribution by joining
themselves in their sufferings to the patient and glorious Christ for his Body,
the Church (cf. Col 1:24).
7. In recent years consecrated life has undertaken
paths of deepening, purification, communion and mission. In the realm of
community dynamics, personal relationships have intensified and at the same
time intercultural exchanges, recognized as a benefit and stimulus for the
institutions themselves, have been strengthened. The praiseworthy effort to
find an exercise of authority and obedience which affirms, enlightens, brings
together, integrates and reconciles, more closely inspired by the Gospel, is
appreciated. In response to the Pope's recommendations, sensitivity to the
requests of Bishops is increasing and there is a growing collaboration among
Institutes in the areas of formation and the apostolate.
Relationships within the whole
Christian community are improving with a mutual and complimentary interchange of gifts among the various
ecclesial vocations.22 It is in fact within the local
Churches that concrete pastoral plans which respond to Christ's challenges to
reach out to people, to mould communities and to have a deep and incisive
influence in bringing Gospel values to bear in society and culture can be
established.23
From simple formal relationships one
willingly moves to a communion lived in mutual charismatic enrichment. This
effort can be helpful to all God's people, since the spirituality of communion
supplies institutional reality with a soul by prompting a trust and openness
wholly in accord with the dignity and responsibility of every baptized person.24
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