Effort, Discipline, & Grace: Brother Lindani on Religious Life
Novices in Step Aside South Africa with Novice Master Fr Anthony Uzor SAC
Br. Lindani Mzelemu SAC, South Africa
In a world often captivated by appearances, the question frequently arises: What does it mean to be a religious person? Is it synonymous with being holy? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, is no. A religious person is not necessarily holy, but rather someone who strives daily to live a holy life.
When people encounter someone in religious life, they often see an individual committed to a higher purpose—a spiritual path marked by prayer, meditation, service, sacrifice, and discipline. These practices are not mere rituals; they are the scaffolding of a life dedicated to spiritual growth. But is such a life easy to live? Absolutely not. Religious individuals are human too, and like all humans, they face temptations, weaknesses, and failures. Yet, prayer remains a powerful tool in the ongoing battle against these challenges.
Beyond the robes and rituals lies a person navigating life with the same doubts, hopes, and struggles as anyone else. They have relationships, responsibilities, and dreams. They carry stories—often deeply personal—that led them to embrace their faith.
I was once asked, “Lindani, why do people enter religious life if they know they might fail to live up to its standards?” My response was simple: No one enters religious life expecting to fail. Just as no one enters a committed relationship intending to be unfaithful. Commitment, in any form, is a daily struggle. It demands effort, discipline, and grace. Prayer and the Gospel are essential tools in this journey, but so is self-discipline.
Not long ago, I had the privilege of sharing my vocation story with a group of young people. One young man asked me a bold and honest question: “How do you overcome lust?” While many religious brothers and sisters responded with, “Prayer conquers all,” I chose a more candid approach.
I told him, “Prayer is indeed a powerful tool, but it is not the only one. Overcoming lust requires self-discipline. It begins with acknowledging our humanity—our weaknesses and desires. I am attracted to beautiful women. That is a fact I cannot deny. I may succeed in hiding it from others, but I cannot deceive myself. The key is not to entertain lustful thoughts, but to confront them with honesty, discipline, and prayer.”
Religious life is not a life of isolation or constant solemnity. We pray, yes—but we also eat, laugh, and engage with the world. Religious people are doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, philosophers, and theologians. Our lives are not confined to cloisters or chapels. We are present in communities, organizations, and institutions, contributing to society in diverse and meaningful ways.
In summary, to be religious is not to be perfect. It is to be committed—to strive, to fall, to rise again. It is to live with purpose, guided by faith, and grounded in the reality of human experience.
