For reflection:
Most religious congregations of sisters include community
life among their characteristic elements, although life in community can take
different forms, large or small, informal or structured, according to a particular
charism* and the needs of the mission.
(* Charism: the special gift
that a religious group is to the Church and to the world).
We gather in community
 | not just because it may be more convenient for ministry; |
| not because it may be more economical; |
| not even to fulfill a need for human intimacy in a culture afflicted with
loneliness. |
We gather in community, with all its joys and sorrows,
primarily because:
| it expresses our desire to
witness to our oneness with God and with each other in the love of Christ; |
| it can be a visible living-out of the common vision of the
religious congregation to which we belong; |
| it helps us support each other in the
mystical pilgrimage of union in God's love — and "in
the rigors of the inward journey"
(see Parker
Palmer, "The Monastic Way to Church Renewal," Desert
Call, Winter 1987, 8-9). |
Community life proclaims the reality that love of neighbor is indeed
possible. Love and peace are possible among those who are not related, who
do not choose each other, who are not necessarily friends.
In this light we commit ourselves to be present to each other in the glad
times, and we willingly accept the burdens of the difficult times. We also allow
each other the freedom to stumble along the spiritual path.
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Consider the reflection material to the left and the scripture passages
above.
Do I feel drawn to life in community?
Am I willing and able to enter into both the joys and sorrows of
community, even when community life fails to
live up to the ideal?
- John 17:21
(You may want to write your reflections below and save this page as part of your discernment journal.)
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you click the button above.
Additional reading: "Why
Do We Gather? Religious Community and the Transforming Journey"
You might also want to visit
the Virtual
Chapel, and simply sit in silence for a few minutes.
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