Fidelity to the Common Life

A quote from Catherine:

Fidelity to the common life is the greatest of all motifications,
and by far the most meritorious.

For the religous to live in community is one of the greatest pleasures and the greatest tests of all virtues. No matter how good the experience, it takes a lot of working together to make it work. Each person has to give up her way of doing things and look to the common good. The sister least able to do so, is the one that others will have to really work with to help her grow in common life. Often it is very difficult without a facilitaor or outside pewrson to be more a neutral party. That doesn't mean necessarily that the sister is a problem, but that living styles can be so different it will take someone outside the local house to help sort things without emotional baggage.

That's right, we are not perfect! We are humans who come from all walks of life with all sorts of experiences that have to be blended together to make a harmonious whole. It can be done, but all have to work at it.

I've lived in some wonderful communities where I have had to grow and change as have others. I've lived with other sisters who did not have to cook growing up, so taking turns cooking was very difficult. Others did not know how to clean. Some were over zealous in their cleaning!

Together, with good communication, it can and does work smoothly and happily. Happiness in community is a wonderful gift that makes the ministry and prayer a wonderful experience as well.

Today let us look at how much we need to change to blend in with whatever group we are connected. Is it only my way? Do I pout if I don't get my way? Are my feelings easily hurt by general living experience? Maybe we need to step back and look at oursevles.

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