Obedience stimulates the virtue of hope in a Norbertine. Obedience is the soul of love, for there is no greater proof of love than to obey the Father's will as Jesus did. Cherish Celibacy Jesus lived a celibate life, as also did Mary and John the Baptist. Jesus taught that some practice celibacy to witness the kingdom of God. Seeing women when you go out is not forbidden, but it is sinful to desire them or to wish them to desire you.
Norbertine celibacy is more than a negative denial of sexual behavior.
It is a positive method for loving. Norbertine celibacy is not based on a fear of nor a hatred for sex. Instead, by letting go of sex and lust, the Norbertine is freed for a total love of God and others. At the same time there is a healthy reverence for marriage. For a Norbertine, the fidelity of a married couple inspires him to fidelity to his celibacy.