Habits

“He continued his habit of retiring to deserted places and praying.” (Luke 5:16 ISV)

Many Catholic nuns wear habits--the traditional garb of a tunic covered by a scapular and a veil. The habit is a visible sign that the nun is consecrated to God.

In the Middle Ages, people from many trades and professions wore habits--clothing which represented their vocation, derived from the Latin vocare--to call. The word ‘habit’ comes from the Latin habitus which means customary practice or usual mode of action. Habits applied to both inner and outer states of being. These days we use the word vocation interchangeably with profession. We no longer think much about our calling. Furthermore, our daily habits, outside of work, usually have little to do with our vocation.

Jesus made a habit of getting away from people and praying. He inhaled and exhaled the Spirit. He ingested and digested the Word. His outer being matched his inner being. His habits reflected His calling. His life was a profession of faith.

Lord, show me what you are calling me to be. Let my inner and outer habits represent my vocation.