Schneider

The religious vow of consecrated celibacy (chastity, the virtue of observing the sexual morality appropriate to one's state of life, whether single, married, or religious, is one part, not the whole, of this commitment) constitutes a public state of life in the Church. This union with Christ, in Himself and in His members, is the primary life commitment which makes relevant all other commitments such as family of origin, spouse, offspring, other relationships, interests, or profession. It is analogous to the vow of matrimony which establishes one in a faithful and monogamous state of primary relationship/commitment to one's spouse and family. This primary commitment focuses one's life in perpetuity through incessant changes of circumstances. In practice, this love-life flows through, illumines, energizes, provides the deepest meaning of every aspect of life including prayer, ministry, community life, recreation, and all other relationships and commitments.

For me, consecrated celibacy is an (inadequate) way of naming (not defining) this total life commitment to Jesus in His person and in His concerns, for example, to the coming of the reign of God in this world, especially in the  human family for whom He gave his life.  Living this commitment presents daily challenges to affective fidelity (including but not limited to freely chosen abstinence from genital sexual activity), constancy in the face of misunderstanding and even persecution (both secular and ecclesiastical), generosity through fatigue and discouragement, focus in the face of financial, professional, or lifestyle distractions. What makes it "worth the candle" (which is my one and only life) is the gift of a great love offered unconditionally in my vocation and accepted daily with joy and hope.
 
Sr. Sandra M. Schneiders, IHM, is a professor of New Testament and spirituality at Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, Calif., and based at the IHM Motherhouse in Monroe.