John Paul II : Vita Consecrata.

Be simple and merciful.

More than in any activity, the apostolate consists in the witness of one’s own complete dedication to the Lord’s saving will, a dedication nourished by the practice of prayer and penance. Thus the attitude of consecrated persons “ is progressively conformed to Christ”. It fosters an intimate and joyful communion of life with Him, in the school of his generous service of God and neighbour giving him “ a profound desire to be conformed to Christ to give witness to some aspect of his mystery”.

The elderly are called in many ways to live out their vocation: by persevering prayer, by patient acceptance of their condition, and by their readiness to serve as spiritual directors, confessors or mentors in prayer.

In the washing feet Jesus reveals the depth of God’s love for humanity: in Jesus, God places Himself at the service of human beings! At the same time, He reveals the meaning of the Christian life and, even more, of the consecrated life, which is a life of self-giving love, of practical and generous service.

Consecrated persons are therefore asked to bear a renewed and vigorous evangelical witness to self-denial and restraint, in a form of fraternal life inspired by principles of simplicity and hospitality, also as an example to those who are indifferent to the needs of their neighbor. This witness will of course be accompanied by a preferential love for the poor and will be shown especially by sharing the conditions of life of the most neglected.

(Pope John Paul II, “Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Vita Consecrata”, Vatican City, 1996, nos.44b, 36d/f, 75b, 90a/b)

taken from “Being a Brother in Church and World” Brothers CMM, 2007)