They say that nobility obliges. What is meant by this is that belonging to a certain group of people requires certain behavior. This is, of course, also true for those who call themselves Christians. Confessing the LORD demands from us a corresponding way of life. In an even more intense way, people expect this kind of behavior from those who publicly declare that they want to let their entire life be radically determined by the Gospel. Since, as religious, we do this with the wearing of our religious habit, one could also say that the habit obliges.
Our abbess once told us about a monk who, while in civilian clothes, went to a video store. He went into the adult section, and because he (rightly!) was ashamed to rent a pornographic movie, he stole it instead. And he got caught.
This probably wouldn't have happened if he had been wearing his habit. The garment is, in times of temptation, a certain protection as it constantly reminds us of the standards of behavior we are committed to upholding when we chose this life of radical discipleship to Christ.
Of course, it’s not about doing the right thing just because others expect it from us, but rather doing it out of inner conviction — regardless of whether someone is present to evaluate our actions or not, but simply because it is the right thing to do. But it is, indeed, a help.
When I put on the habit, I become aware of the consequences of my decision to live the religious life. I can no longer do just anything that comes to mind. Not because someone forbids it, but because I choose this life — with everything that comes with it.
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