2nd response to 2 of 4

What does it mean to go forward in fidelity to the grace of our vocation?

Group #2 responded:

What does fidelity mean=faithfulness, loyalty, perseverance – be loyal to Jesus.
-John of the Cross – Dark Night is when he wrote the most sublime poetry .
-St Therese said her vocation was just to love. Just to love God and love individuals even those that are difficult.
God said love your neighbor. We can never love God enough. Love is our vocation.
The importance of attendance: This forms community – to love our brothers and sisters – getting to know them and learn from them.
Our vocation is to love God and be loved by God. We are his and are a creation of God. God has willed us into existence. Our fidelity is to have a friendship with God and give back that friendship back to the world. We are the body of Christ – which is a relationship, and deep.
We need to know Jesus not just know about him. Read the Word. Read the Gospels. Get to know Jesus intimately. Know him and love him. Once you know him you love him.
Need to strengthen our community. Use the meeting time to strengthen our communities. Learn the Rule of St Albert – possibly change the format of formation to meditate on it and learn better. The Rule is a commentary on our way of life.
Attendance is showing fidelity and it is a commitment. Seems to be important to limit the size of community so that the leaders can get to know the members.
Grace – The order exists for the church and members belong to the order. Members need to be able to go outside their comfort level.
Importance of prayer – The fruit of prayer is good works.
Grace – be open to the grace, be faithful, and persevere.
Aspirants need to know the Carmelite journey is both personal and for the Church