For every sinner, there is the old life, the new life, and the life to come. For every convert there is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But for those who, like me, have made vows of lifetime faithfulness in a religious community, there are also the gospel counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

These are not the easiest virtues to live by. Initially, they appear narrow and restrictive – how much of myself must be stripped away? What must I renounce in this world for the sake of the world to come? But this is not the only way to look at them. Daily life is a better measure of fulfillment, for I am happy, and yes, after almost thirty years of communal living, still a bit giddy.

Poverty, chastity, and obedience bring a different kind of freedom.