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Let those who make profession of the evangelical counsels seek and
love above all else God who has first loved us (cf. 1 John
4:10) and let them strive to foster in all circumstances a life
hidden with Christ in God (cf. Col. 3:3). This love of God
both excites and energizes that love of one's neighbor which
contributes to the salvation of the world and the building up of the
Church. This love, in addition, quickens and directs the actual
practice of the evangelical counsels.
Drawing therefore upon the authentic sources of Christian
spirituality, members of religious communities should resolutely
cultivate both the spirit and practice of prayer. In the first place
they should have recourse daily to the Holy Scriptures in order that,
by reading and meditating on Holy Writ, they may learn "the
surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:8). They
should celebrate the sacred liturgy, especially the holy sacrifice of
the Mass, with both lips and heart as the Church desires and so
nourish their spiritual life from this richest of sources.
So refreshed at the table of divine law and the sacred altar of God,
they will love Christ's members as brothers, honor and love their
pastors as sons should do, and living and thinking ever more in union
with the Church, dedicate themselves wholly to its mission.
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