Stained Glass Scapulars-Reflections on the Secular Carmelite Rule

The Secular Order of the Discalced Carmelites is an association of the faithful who undertake the pursuit of evangelical perfection in the world. The Christian Life of the members is inspired and nourished by the spirituality and guidance of the Teresian Carmel.
Excerpt from Article 1 of the Rule

One of the discernment questions the council can pose to a candidate is this: Do you have an attraction to the Carmelite Order and its saints?  This is a very important discernment question, because for those of us who have been professed for some time we know how important it is to constantly turn to our great teachers for spiritual direction and guidance.  We never tire ( I suppose I should speak for myself)-I never tire of reading the works of St. John of the Cross, St.Teresa of Avila, St. Therese, and I could go on and on-Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. Teresa of the Andes...  We have such a wealth of spiritual knowledge and wisdom in the Order of Carmel!


We must have a particular love for Carmel and the spirituality of its holy members to sustain and nourish us in our quest for evangelical perfection as our rule states above. This particular love for our holy members should include the members of the communion of saints (the church militant-refers to the living members of the church on earth) in our local community.  This is one reason why the monthly formation meeting with the community is so important.  We need the support and encouragement of each other to help us be faithful to our promises.

The excerpt I have chosen to reflect on today also states that we "undertake the pursuit of evangelical perfection in the world." We must be a sign to others, a living witness of the kingdom of God among us. Our lives must be an open book of the Gospel, with the gift of charity obvious for all to see. We want the world to recognize that we are Christians by the love we have for one another.


The love we have for one another should be apparent in our local community. Fraternal charity is an important part of our Carmelite vocation as well. If we never take the time to contact other members and get to know them in between meetings, well, I'm afraid we may just be living by the minimum standards of the Rule. We must go the extra mile and reach out to those in our Carmelite family.


As Secular Carmelites we face a continual challenge of being a witness in the world and a witness in our local community. The gift of charity is the highest gift that will manifest itself in true love of neighbor and lead us to union with Christ our Lord.


Let us pray for each other!

Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, ocds
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