Missionaries of the Sacred

I would like to share a little of my experience of living the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

First of all it is a great mistake to think of them as negative-(Poverty-You don’t own anything. Chastity -You don’t have a spouse and or children. Obedience - You don’t have your own way, someone else is boss.)

I would like to share my experience of this way of life in a positive way.

Poverty helps me to let go of, not cling to, anything that would stand between me and my God and the service of others.  If I have something, that is all right.  If I don’t have it, that is all right too.  I am at peace.  This way of life leads to simplicity, clarity about what I need to serve God and others. During my time in Papua New Guinea I had to travel a lot from village to village.  I was never sure of what I would have to eat, where I would sleep, bathe, or even answer nature’s call.  The best the people could do for me was far from the middle class life I was used to but it was the best they had to offer.  For me it was an adventure beyond anything I could have hoped for.  To do without in order to serve is an expression of the poverty way of living.  It is more about giving than having.

Chastity helps me to let go of any kind of relationship that would stand between me and the service of God and others. Just as a married person must let go of relationships than would hinder his or her relationship with spouse and children, so chastity in religious life helps me to maintain relationships that help my relationship to God,  my community and the people we serve.  My relationship with God and the people I serve is fostered by my decision to remain celibate and chaste.  It is more about a way of loving than about possessing or using another person.

Obedience helps me to let go of ego issues that interfere with my relationship with God, my community and the people we serve. Like the marines I go where am sent and do what I am told.  However, overseas assignments are voluntary with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and in recent years there has been more room to talk over things with whoever is in charge.  I try to live “Thy will, not mine be done .” knowing that I can also say “If it is all right, I’d rather not.”  (Matt. 26 39)  It is more about “Thy will” than about “Not mine.”  Sometimes God and I agree.

If you are thinking about becoming a Missionary of the Sacred Heart priest or brother you can contact our Vocation director:

Peace,

Brother Joe Tesar, MSC