Why take a vow of Chastity?

Why take a vow of Chastity?

"These are they who were not defiled with women: for they are virgins. These follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These we purchased from among men, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb." Chastity also offers its share of thorny roses. It is a hard thing for a woman to know that she will never be a mother, never have children of her own blood. More than that she is obliged to cut herself off from all familiarity and practice a detachment even from her own family and sisters in religion. Why? The one and only reason she entered religious life—the love of God. A love that has taken a dimension unknown to seculars, an intimacy more profound than the happiest of newlyweds. Christ wooed her and won her heart. She gave him her virginity. her body, her goods, her will at her reception day. He is to her now as her own Spouse. She now practices His words literally to love God with her whole heart, soul. mind and strength. Love is sacrifice. She is the holocaust and poverty, chastity, and obedience the fires that consume her and separate the pure precious gold from the dross; that burn the incense that releases to God the pure odor of sanctity. "Blessed is he who understands what it is to love Jesus, and to despise himself for the sake of Jesus. We must leave what is beloved for the sake of the Beloved, for Jesus will be loved alone and above all things. Sooner or later you must be separated from all, whether you will or no. The nature of your Beloved is such that He will not admit of a rival, but He will have thy heart for Himself alone." (A' Kempis)