COVENANT 19 – THE ROBE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THE GARMENTS OF SALVATION
“Discovering vocation does not mean scrambling toward some prize just beyond my reach but accepting the treasure of true self I already possess. Vocation does not come from a voice out there calling me to be something I am not. It comes from a voice in here calling me to be the person I was born to be, to fulfill the original selfhood given me at birth by God.” -Thomas Merton
When a person hears God’s Spirit calling them to consider membership in the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ, the candidate enters, with the Community, into a period of discernment to test the Spirit. This time is not intended to determine the worth of the person before God, or even their overall call to community or religious life. It is meant only to discern their specific call to be a member of the Coworkers of Christ.
Upon entrance into the Community we take on the habit, both spiritual and physical. Being clothed in the grace of Christ, and robed with humility and sanctity, like Jesus who put on our lowliness as a
garment, let us wear our habit in holiness, penitence, and lowliness of heart. We wear it as a word in the larger vocabulary of the Church: a word about holiness, a word about humbleness, a word about humility.
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 (RSV)
As a sign of humbleness, the habit must never become an occasion for pride or self-aggrandizement. It should be an outward sign of an inward attempt to live the Common Rule. If it ceases to be this, it becomes worthless and vain. Any clothing for clothing’s sake is incompatible with our calling.
The habit worn by the Coworkers of Christ serves as a symbolic expression of our dedication to God and the Community. We wear it both within and outside of the Community setting, particularly during liturgical gatherings and public ministries. It acts as a constant reminder of the core values that guide our lives: prayer, study, penance, service, poverty, chastity, and obedience.
The habit is our customary attire, replacing secular clothing whenever possible. It’s important to distinguish it from liturgical vestments used during worship services. Primarily, the habit signifies our calling as members of the Coworkers of Christ.
As a symbol of penance and commitment, the habit is worn even when inconvenient. However, in cases of illness or exceptional circumstances, the Minister General or a member’s conscience may temporarily dispense with its use, requiring later confirmation from the Minister General.
Even during activities requiring casual clothing, like work or recreation, members strive to uphold the spirit of the Community’s calling. The little habit can be worn during these times. Additionally, all secular clothing should reflect modesty and align with the principles of our Rule. We prioritize simplicity, practicality, and modesty in our overall appearance, avoiding trends and excessive focus on style.
If the wearing of the habit becomes a source of pride or self-righteousness, the Minister General or General Gathering may require members to wear secular clothing for a period of reflection. This emphasizes that the true value lies in the principles we embody, not the outward expression.
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 (RSV)
- The Formal Habit: A Symbol of Consecration
For occasions of worship, prayer services, and official functions, members wear the formal habit. This consists of a flax or oatmeal-colored alb, signifying purity and consecration. A heather grey hooded scapular, a large apron-like garment worn over the shoulders, is another element. Its color reflects humility and service. A white cincture rope completes the ensemble, representing purity, dedication, and unity within the Community. The formal habit is reserved for the Confessed.
- The Working Habit: Practicality for Everyday Life
For daily work and activities, members wear the working habit. This more practical attire allows for comfort and ease of movement during our various tasks. It features a heather grey hooded tunic shirt, symbolizing our commitment to the Community. Worn over a black or grey clerical shirt, it signifies our dedication to serving God and others. Blue jeans, a black leather belt, and black shoes or sandals complete the working habit, reflecting a sense of simplicity, practicality, and durability. The working habit may be worn by the Professed and Confessed.
- The Little Habit: A Constant Reminder of Faith
As a constant reminder of our faith and a subtle expression of our identity, all members wear the little habit. This consists of a simple Celtic cross necklace, a symbol of our Christian faith and the rich Celtic heritage that influences the spirituality of the Coworkers of Christ. The ever-present cross serves as a source of strength, inspiration, and a silent form of witness to our faith journey.
Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph. 4:22-24 (RSV)