The Charism of the United Secular Institute in Context
'A Stream of Living Water'
And I, like a conduit from a river, like a watercourse running into a garden.
I said ' I am going to water my orchard, I intend to irrigate my flower beds'
And see, my conduit has grown into a river, and my river has grown into a sea. Si 24: 30,31
Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty
who was, who is, who is to come
'A Stream of Living Water'
And I, like a conduit from a river, like a watercourse running into a garden.
I said ' I am going to water my orchard, I intend to irrigate my flower beds'
And see, my conduit has grown into a river, and my river has grown into a sea. Si 24: 30,31
Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty
who was, who is, who is to come
Secular Institute Forum The following text explains the poem 'A Stream of Living Water' published on this website. The poem puts the Charism of the united Secular Institute in the context of the consecrated vocations. I have labelled the text 'The River' when referring to the consecrated vocations in general and 'The united Secular Institute' when the writing is specific to the vocation.
The River
In the following text I have taken the ‘river which gives joy to the God’s city’ and used it as an allegory to express a spiritual understanding of the consecrated life within the Church. The writing will expound the poem entitled ‘The River’ and has the aim of giving the Reader an outline of the context in which the consecrated vocations are placed.
However, the exposition holds good per se as it provides an understanding of the fundamental placements of the consecrated vocations, an input which should aid a more systemised approach to their further development.This venture is especially needful when proposing ‘new songs’; that is the call for the founding of a united Secular Institute and for a review and change within a number of other vocations in the Church.
The River
In the following text I have taken the ‘river which gives joy to the God’s city’ and used it as an allegory to express a spiritual understanding of the consecrated life within the Church. The writing will expound the poem entitled ‘The River’ and has the aim of giving the Reader an outline of the context in which the consecrated vocations are placed.
However, the exposition holds good per se as it provides an understanding of the fundamental placements of the consecrated vocations, an input which should aid a more systemised approach to their further development.This venture is especially needful when proposing ‘new songs’; that is the call for the founding of a united Secular Institute and for a review and change within a number of other vocations in the Church.
There is a river which gives joy to God’s city, the holy place where the Most High dwells. Ps 46: 4
The ‘one river’ which gives joy to the Most High flows from the throne of God. It symbolises the consecrated vocations, gifts from the Father through the Son; placed within the living water of the Holy Spirit who distributes and sustains them and the joy, blessings and efficacous which these vocations bring to heaven and earth.
The ‘one river’ symbolises the essential unity of the consecrated life in whatever form they may take, as their source is in the Triune God.
The ‘one river’ which gives joy to the Most High flows from the throne of God. It symbolises the consecrated vocations, gifts from the Father through the Son; placed within the living water of the Holy Spirit who distributes and sustains them and the joy, blessings and efficacous which these vocations bring to heaven and earth.
The ‘one river’ symbolises the essential unity of the consecrated life in whatever form they may take, as their source is in the Triune God.
A river flows out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it divides and becomes four branches’
Gn 2: 10
The division of the river into four branches of the river
The one river from the Divine source divides into four branches. These branches are the four primary consecrated vocations and they flow into the four spheres.
The Four Branches
the sacred branch the transendent branch
the escatological branch the secular branch
The Vocations within the Four Branches:
The Sacred Branch: Clergy and Order of Virgins
The Transcendent Branch: Hermits and Former Prophets
The Escatological Branch: Religious –
the religious life as an expression of the eschatological values of the Kingdom
The Secular Branch: Consecrated Laity The united Secular Institute
Gn 2: 10
The division of the river into four branches of the river
The one river from the Divine source divides into four branches. These branches are the four primary consecrated vocations and they flow into the four spheres.
The Four Branches
the sacred branch the transendent branch
the escatological branch the secular branch
The Vocations within the Four Branches:
The Sacred Branch: Clergy and Order of Virgins
The Transcendent Branch: Hermits and Former Prophets
The Escatological Branch: Religious –
the religious life as an expression of the eschatological values of the Kingdom
The Secular Branch: Consecrated Laity The united Secular Institute
Each of the four branches is placed by God according to the existentials of the vocation, in accordance with the function proper to the particular sphere. The spheres and the vocations specific to each, have their own value, integrity and spirituality. In all four branches there are men and women, as both sexes bear the image of God; male and female he created them.
Gen 1: 27
Within the four areas into which the river branches flow, the consecrated vocations are necessarily present; no calling can be absent and neither can one sphere substitute another; for example the sacred sphere cannot enlarge to replace the secular. This essential prescence in the four areas is a reason why in more recent times the way has opened for the consecration of the laity; this step has resulted in the secular sphere having its own body of consecrated persons within.
The consecrated vocations although belonging to separate domains which retain their divergence, are united and the spheres bound together by:
their arising from: one source - having their essence and plenitude within the Trinity, the intrinsic holiness of the consecated state, the liturgy which unites heaven and earth.
The placing of the consecrated vocations within the four areas was an arrangement which preceeded the Incarnation of Christ and foreshadowed their development.
Gen 1: 27
Within the four areas into which the river branches flow, the consecrated vocations are necessarily present; no calling can be absent and neither can one sphere substitute another; for example the sacred sphere cannot enlarge to replace the secular. This essential prescence in the four areas is a reason why in more recent times the way has opened for the consecration of the laity; this step has resulted in the secular sphere having its own body of consecrated persons within.
The consecrated vocations although belonging to separate domains which retain their divergence, are united and the spheres bound together by:
their arising from: one source - having their essence and plenitude within the Trinity, the intrinsic holiness of the consecated state, the liturgy which unites heaven and earth.
The placing of the consecrated vocations within the four areas was an arrangement which preceeded the Incarnation of Christ and foreshadowed their development.
A river flowed from the Temple…wherever the water goes all living creatures teeming it will live for wherever the water it brings health and life because this water comes from the sanctuary
Ez 47
This verse shows the efficacy of the river, in its power to give life, increase, health and fercondity. The consecrated vocations within the sacred river of God flow into the four spheres and symbolise the universal presence, and power of God. Each sphere has its own proper place and function within the life and workings of the blessed Trinity; consequently it is essential that the particular vo cation is corectly designated.
Ez 47
This verse shows the efficacy of the river, in its power to give life, increase, health and fercondity. The consecrated vocations within the sacred river of God flow into the four spheres and symbolise the universal presence, and power of God. Each sphere has its own proper place and function within the life and workings of the blessed Trinity; consequently it is essential that the particular vo cation is corectly designated.
Jesus the New Temple
When they came to Jesus they pieced his side from there at once came out blood and water. For as scripture says: from his heart shall flow rivers of living water. Jn 19: 33, 34 7: 38, 39
In the redemption by Jesus and the donation of the Holy Spirit to the Church the consecrated vocations, were extended to include a greater number of persons, than was the case in former times
The Holy Spirit indwells in the believer and the primal vocations distributed and sustained by the Holy Spirit within the four spheres, were reinforced by being reordered towards God in the redemption and given a central part in the reconcilliation of the world through Christ to God the Father.
The River Branches are the primal vocations for example, the consecrated laity in the secular sphere. From the river branches flow the streams and streamlets. The streams are the major charisms, such as is the Charism of the united Secular Institute.
The streamlets are the offshoots from the major charisms. For example within the Religious Life which has its own proper sphere, the streams and streamlets are many.
When they came to Jesus they pieced his side from there at once came out blood and water. For as scripture says: from his heart shall flow rivers of living water. Jn 19: 33, 34 7: 38, 39
In the redemption by Jesus and the donation of the Holy Spirit to the Church the consecrated vocations, were extended to include a greater number of persons, than was the case in former times
The Holy Spirit indwells in the believer and the primal vocations distributed and sustained by the Holy Spirit within the four spheres, were reinforced by being reordered towards God in the redemption and given a central part in the reconcilliation of the world through Christ to God the Father.
The River Branches are the primal vocations for example, the consecrated laity in the secular sphere. From the river branches flow the streams and streamlets. The streams are the major charisms, such as is the Charism of the united Secular Institute.
The streamlets are the offshoots from the major charisms. For example within the Religious Life which has its own proper sphere, the streams and streamlets are many.
The united Secular Institute
And I, like a conduit from a river...
The conduit/stream is the Charism of the united Secular Institute; the stream of water from the River branch, which runs into the secular sphere.
I said, I am going to water my orchard...
This verse refers to the formation of a united Secular Institute and the blessings which will follow on an individual and collective basis. The conduit, the modest beginnings, will grow into a major stream of the River. The sea is the spreading of the vocation and its efficacy in the building up of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus said go, go into the world...
The secular is where the members of the united Secular Institute will sing the liturgy, the song which God has given to the consecrated laity and this song is sung by the full participation in the temporal world through the Tree of Life which is the cross of Christ.
On either side of the River is the Tree of Life whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.
The participation in Jesus, Prophet, Priest, King is a major part of the spirituality of the united Secular Institute.
Laity, Consecrated, Fraternity, Mission
These are the four sources which make up the vocation of the united Secular Institute
Citizens of the Kingdom and of the World The members of the united Secular Institute as consecrated laity have a full part and indispensible role in both the Church and the world.
Stars in my hand...
The star is one of the symbols for the members of the united Secular Institute.
The Water of Life is the River an allegory for the consecrated vocations whose font and sustenance is the Holy Trinity. The stream is the charism of the united Secular Institute; the fulness of life and blessing of the consecrated life and the particular contribution and mission which God has entrusted to the Institute.
The Name of the House is...
This refers to the house, that is spiritual family - of the united Secular Institute.
The charism of the united Secular Institute will be divided into two parts; the official part and the individual member part.
And I, like a conduit from a river...
The conduit/stream is the Charism of the united Secular Institute; the stream of water from the River branch, which runs into the secular sphere.
I said, I am going to water my orchard...
This verse refers to the formation of a united Secular Institute and the blessings which will follow on an individual and collective basis. The conduit, the modest beginnings, will grow into a major stream of the River. The sea is the spreading of the vocation and its efficacy in the building up of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus said go, go into the world...
The secular is where the members of the united Secular Institute will sing the liturgy, the song which God has given to the consecrated laity and this song is sung by the full participation in the temporal world through the Tree of Life which is the cross of Christ.
On either side of the River is the Tree of Life whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.
The participation in Jesus, Prophet, Priest, King is a major part of the spirituality of the united Secular Institute.
Laity, Consecrated, Fraternity, Mission
These are the four sources which make up the vocation of the united Secular Institute
Citizens of the Kingdom and of the World The members of the united Secular Institute as consecrated laity have a full part and indispensible role in both the Church and the world.
Stars in my hand...
The star is one of the symbols for the members of the united Secular Institute.
The Water of Life is the River an allegory for the consecrated vocations whose font and sustenance is the Holy Trinity. The stream is the charism of the united Secular Institute; the fulness of life and blessing of the consecrated life and the particular contribution and mission which God has entrusted to the Institute.
The Name of the House is...
This refers to the house, that is spiritual family - of the united Secular Institute.
The charism of the united Secular Institute will be divided into two parts; the official part and the individual member part.
The River
Some reasons for the presence of the consecrated vocations in the four spheres.
‘When God consecrates a person he gives a special gift to his own kind purpose. the reconcilliation and salvation of the whole human race’ Congregation of Religious and Secular Institutes 1983
Some reasons for the presence of the consecrated vocations within the four dimensions that is: the sacred, the transcendent, the eschatological, the secular.
The Completion of the Church
The Church cannot be complete without the consecrated vocations being present in all four spheres, as these vocations iconise and acutalise the part which each zone contributes in the plan of salvation.
The vocations within the spheres are a means whereby the holiness of God enters in a particular way and they are also a visible sign of the manisfestation of the Triune God’s presence and workings, according to the ethos of the particular dimension.
A particular role in the salvation of the human race
It is God’s will that in the plan of salvation there should be a co – operation between God and human beings. The consecrated persons raise the world not only by the ‘ordinary means’ of gospel living but by means of their being united in a closer bond with God.
Consecrated persons are necessary in the four spheres as souls are bound to them and consequently they raise these souls to God in and through Christ.
God the creator is omnipresent but it is his will to enter into four zones by the indwelling of the Spirit and the co-operation of humans, this he does in a particular way within the consecrated vocations. It is one of the mechisms by which the Holy Trinity will become immanent.
Some reasons for the presence of the consecrated vocations in the four spheres.
‘When God consecrates a person he gives a special gift to his own kind purpose. the reconcilliation and salvation of the whole human race’ Congregation of Religious and Secular Institutes 1983
Some reasons for the presence of the consecrated vocations within the four dimensions that is: the sacred, the transcendent, the eschatological, the secular.
The Completion of the Church
The Church cannot be complete without the consecrated vocations being present in all four spheres, as these vocations iconise and acutalise the part which each zone contributes in the plan of salvation.
The vocations within the spheres are a means whereby the holiness of God enters in a particular way and they are also a visible sign of the manisfestation of the Triune God’s presence and workings, according to the ethos of the particular dimension.
A particular role in the salvation of the human race
It is God’s will that in the plan of salvation there should be a co – operation between God and human beings. The consecrated persons raise the world not only by the ‘ordinary means’ of gospel living but by means of their being united in a closer bond with God.
Consecrated persons are necessary in the four spheres as souls are bound to them and consequently they raise these souls to God in and through Christ.
God the creator is omnipresent but it is his will to enter into four zones by the indwelling of the Spirit and the co-operation of humans, this he does in a particular way within the consecrated vocations. It is one of the mechisms by which the Holy Trinity will become immanent.
The angel showed me the river of life, clear as crystal flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb Rev 22: 1
The river becomes one.
The plan of the God the Father is to draw all things together in Christ.
The process though of binding together is initiated in part, prior to the end times.
God will dwell with humans,
God will be immanent - all in all - as through the plan of salvation made before the foundation of the world, God has entered into all.
The river becomes one.
The plan of the God the Father is to draw all things together in Christ.
- In the end times the consecrated vocations present in the four spheres, that is in
- the sacred, the transendent, the escatological, the secular;
The process though of binding together is initiated in part, prior to the end times.
- The consecrated vocations placed within the Triune God will become ‘one river’ again as their number will be complete. Although their ‘essential unity’ in the Holy Trinity always remains unchanged they will be unified in regard to the ‘economic workings’ of God, as all aspects of Christ which these vocations manifest will be brought together; each vocation though will retain its inherent identity.
- Unite heaven and earth - the unification of heavenly and earthly beings. This is accomplished by God once the four zones have been unified.
God will dwell with humans,
God will be immanent - all in all - as through the plan of salvation made before the foundation of the world, God has entered into all.
Praise and glory and wisdom,
thanksgiving and honour
and power and strength
to our God for ever and ever
Amen
Alleluia !
Praise and glory and wisdom,
thanksgiving and honour
and power and strength
to our God for ever and ever
Amen
Alleluia !
Diana May Cockburn
11 August 2017
11 August 2017
