"Civillians" wearing religious clothing

[MusicaDonumDei]

So I’m kinda embarrased to post this actually, but lately I’ve had the idea in my head to consider wearing religious clothing when I go off to graduate school this fall. Now, of course that sounds odd, but I’d like to list some pros and cons and see what people on here think about the idea.

Pros:

• The night before my graduate audition, I prayed that God’s will be done regarding my audition and I put it into His hands. I prayed that if I got in I would live as an example to the other students on campus and continued to consecrate myself to the Sacred Heart. I ended up getting into the music program that I didn’t think I had any chance getting into, so I feel I should keep up my end of the bargin somehow. (Of course this would only be part of it)
• It would help me to separate myself from my former secular, atheist self and be a sign of my new life in Christ.
• I’m considering becoming a real monk after grad school anyway
• It would be a way to evangelize as people ask me why in the world I’m wearing that
• I myself am not unfamilliar with being a “social outcast” as it were, and any anti-Catholic backlash or ostracism I receive I can offer up to the Sacred Heart. It didn’t stop John the Baptist either (though I hesitate to compare myself with him )
• It would help me guard myself against sin as a constant reminder of God’s presence
• I’d always know what to wear when I got up in the morning!

Those being said, there are reasons not to:

Cons:

• Regardless of my intentions, I’m not (yet) a member of any particular religious order and I might be disrespecting them if I try to “impersonate an officer”, even if the attire that I wear is not particular to any order.
• It might seem as though I’m “practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them” (Matt 6); eventhough this honestly isn’t my intention.
• I wouldn’t want to do it unless I were sure I were doing it for pure reasons, and not for attention or self-aggrandizement.
• I don’t want to seem like a religious fanatic or anything

So what’s everyone’s thoughts on the matter?

 

[AveSantaMaria]

I would advise against it.

Let us separate ourselves by our good example. It will become clear to others that you walk by a different drum soon enough. It always has with me and Christianity, there are always so many little decisions that I make the Catholic decision in that turn into big things over time.

Humility is seeking to be the littlest, noticed the last, not to draw attention to oneself but to accept it when it comes. Wearing religious clothing appears to blantantly draw attraction to yourself.

It’s like wearing a veil for a woman. Does she wear a veil to distinguish herself from her “less holy” sisters? Or does she wear a veil in order to (a) fit into the customs of her society (b) practice true respect and veneration for the Lord as well as modesty? The day that you actually become a monk or have this idea approved by a Christ seeking spiritual director may be the day that it is appropriate to wear a habit to school.

As for being a social outcast, one should please others in all things except when it pertains to Christ. One should not seek social ostracism. St. Joseph didn’t seek it. Mary didn’t seek it. Jesus was extremely popular during his youth and only lost popularity with the Sadducees and Pharisees, not his people.

**And Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and Man. **Luke 2:52

Perhaps you might explain why you are often a social outcast. If it has nothing to do with Christ, Mary, or Joseph, or the Holy Mother Church, perhaps we might be able to help you work on your social skills or friendships or love relationships. Or an appropriate external authority could also help such as a devout and obedient Catholic psychologist.

See: Litany of Humility ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/humility.htm

May Jesus, Mary, and Joseph continue to inspire you to walk the narrow way to salvation, to pursue their will above your own will, the will of society, or the will of the evil ones, to love, happiness, and eternal joy, to charity in this world and in the next! May Jesus, Mary, and Joseph use your former social suffering to their benefit and to your own!! All things work for good for those who love God, who are called unto his promise.

 

[AveSantaMaria]

How about starting by actually joining a religious movement and wearing their insignia? If you join consecration.com or miyouth.org, the St. Maximilian Maria consecration group, (note: a requirement is a devotion to our Blessed Mother and regular Rosary praying. Many groups are also active in pro-life activism.) one of the requirements is to wear a miraculous medal. If this medal falls outside of your shirt every once in a while, you have a wonderful time to share your faith.

Count all suffering you endure for being mistaken as one of the superficial, false, lukewarm followers of Christ (even though we think of ourselves as the real ones), as redemptive suffering that you can give up to Christ, Mary, and Joseph. A stronger understanding of redemptive suffering is offered at consecration.com.

 

[Cristiano]

In Italy we have a very common expression that goes “l’abito non fa il monaco” The habit doesn’t make you a monk.

Long time ago, well before Vatican II. Some religious orders did not allow their nuns to wear habits but asked them to wear widow’s clothing. What do you think the reason behind it was?

Bring attention to your good behaviors, not to your looks. You sound like a well motivated individual that wants to be an example. Do so, by doing good for God’s glory.

 

[Michael_David]

Whatever one is when they are such should come from the heart and be able to be seen by the minds-eye of others… no matter what one looks like on the outside. If it doesn’t come from the heart, nothing one appears like on the outside will convince others of the internal reality.

Actors do this as a profession.

Remember, when the Jews were after Jesus and He (magically) disappeared into the crowds… He looked just like the ones He was teaching… He did not stand-out in the crowd, like the one’s after Him did. But He did stand out, on the inside.

The cloths don’t make the person… the person makes the cloths.

Have you ever seen “The prince and the pauper” ? They traded places… and learned a lot by it.