Development of Religious Life

Development of discipline: disciples are called to good order.

Permutations and combinations: evolution happens! "Let's try this. If it works, great. If it doesn't, we'll know what doesn't work."

Jesus and apostles: peripatetic, homeless.

Two-by-two

Evangelical counsels.

Acts: common life (honeymoon of the early Church).

Presbyteroi and diakonoi: servants to the local Church.

Pastoral gifts.

The family is a form of religious life.

Eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom; single for the Lord, like Paul.

Virgins and widows.

Couples living as brother and sister.

"Holy Orders."

Diocesan system.

Augustine.

Canons.

Hermits.

Benedictines

Orders of monks and nuns.

Never alone. Always surrounded by benefactors, partners, and clients.

Franciscans and Dominicans: mendicants.

Jesuits: contemplatives in action.

Lay saints

Covenant communities

Apostolic associations: priests, laity

Third Orders

Two vantage points: chronology and typology (canon law on religious life).

Life changes faster than law.