found sense of social justice and charity be observed and that special privileges, as if owed to our status, not be sought. (C 51) CHAPTER IV OBEDIENCE Formal Command 23A command is formal, which means that it imposes a grave obligation of conscience, if it is expressly given as such by the Superior General or Provincial Superior, with the consent of the respective Council, in writing or at least in the presence of two witnesses; the Superiors should rarely, cautiously, and prudently impose an order using the power of a formal command and only for a grave reason. (C 59) CM 197-198 According to the Letter and the Spirit 24With all their strength, let the confreres observe perfectly, both in regard to matter and manner, and according to their implied intention, the orders of the Superiors and the Constitutions, as well as the other laws of the Church and the Congregation, with attention always to their purpose and spirit and not to the letter alone, for “the written code kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor 3:6). (C 61) CM 199, 201; Instr. I, 11 Accepting Duties 25Let each confrere strive without refusal to accept the duties or offices that are lawfully entrusted to him and to fulfill them diligently as “good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10). If however, something were imposed on someone that is too burdensome, or if anyone should perceive that something is harmful to himself or to others, or that he needs some help, or that the command itself is without just foundation, let him reverently and humbly inform the Superior, modestly assenting to his decision. (C 61) CM 200, 211 Consecrated Life 191
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