Hello Tiffse,
I see that we disagree on this issue, and that’s ok. I do not see the religious habit or wearing religious articles in the way you describe it. Certainly we are not to do our acts of righteousness before others simply in order to be seen by them, but I do not see wearing the habit as doing that. For me, wearing a cross is difficult but challenging, because I need to get over being ashamed of what others think about my faith. The Bible also tells us to not be ashamed of the gospel (Rom. 1:16). I see the religious habit as an outward sign of the gospel message, and a way to be a powerful and silent witness for Christ.
Tiffse:
I don’t think “outward signs of an inward commitment to God” are earthly, man-made, material things at all. Anyone can buy jewelry, t-shirts, or special clothes, it doesn’t mean you have an inward commitment to God. Expressing an inward commitment to God would be loving others and all that entails.
I agree completely. Some people wear these “signs” without a commitment to God, but that doesn’t mean we need to throw out the signs for the faithful.
Tiffse:
Also, I don’t need to “open myself up to persecution” for opportunities to defend my faith.
I’m sorry if I was unclear, but that was not the message thatI intended. Certainly I don’t think anyone has to go seeking persecution
. Let me provide that section in context from my original quote:
lily628:
Wearing these things takes a humble courage, especially when society around us considers it strange. It opens one up to persecution and provides opportunities to stand up for one’s faith. It also brings people approaching religious sisters with prayer requests.
I meant it in the sense that since the world considers it strange, it takes courage to wear the habit. It is a visible and recognizable witness to one’s faith. For me, it would take more humility to wear the religious habit than not. Perhaps you and I are different on this.
Tiffse:
I try not to be defensive, but proactive.
I agree with this, however I do not see how wearing a religious habit makes one not proactive. I see it as the opposite, actually. With whatever clothing I wear (within reason), I am not harming anyone else, and only possibly doing some good. A religious in habit has a high responsibility to live a holy life because others will look to them as examples, and I see this as a way of silently witnessing to the gospel. St. Francis of Assissi said “Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words”. Along with acts of charity, one of the primary means of doing this is through outward signs. This is a proactive way to show the gospel without being offensive by imposing your views on others.
If because I were wearing a religious habit, someone were to recognize me and ask me for prayer, or ask about my faith, or about Christ, or tell me about how they remember when nuns taught them in school… whatever be the case–this type of encounter with a stranger or parishoner would be such a joy to me, and I expect to the other person also.
Lily628