By Fr. Eugene Hemrick
Yeshua Institute Fellow
“And this is what we ask you to do, give courage to those who are apprehensive, care for the weak and be patient with everyone, make sure that people do not try to take revenge, you must all think of what is best for each other and for the community, be happy at all times, and pray constantly.”
St. Paul’s desire for the good of Thessalonians’ community life holds equally true for the good of today’s community life.
Presently, apprehension fills the airwaves, threatening our courage to remain strong. A mounting number of the elderly are finding it difficult to afford assisted living. And how can the spirit of community joy exist in an atmosphere of constant reports of revenge?
Other modern challenges are changing community life likewise.
In the past
In the past many families lived together in the same neighborhood over a lifetime. The corner family store was common. Parents and grandparents lived together. Children attended the same school, enjoying lifelong friendships with fellow students.
Churches were filled with worshipers and provided services for the poor, immigrants, the divorced and separated, for parents -- to name just a few of the multiple audiences they served.
The prevailing style of life helped to create neighborly togetherness and esprit décor.
Today
Today many families live great distances from each other. Old neighborhoods no longer exist. Living in high rise condos and apartment buildings may be desirable or necessary, but it can also add to loneliness and lack a sense of belongingness.
What would St. Paul say about maintaining an essential element in modern community life?
He would probably point us to a quote of Henri Nouwen: “Solitude is very different from a time-out from busy lives. Solitude is the very ground from which the community grows. Whenever we pray alone, study, read, write, or simply spend quiet time away from the places where we interact with each other directly, we are potentially open for a deeper intimacy with each other.”
Community life
Community life is not only living together with each other but, equally important, being intimately together. Desiring to be a loner has its place and for some it is or is not their choice. But we all benefit from having and being companions.
The word companion comes from Latin meaning “with bread” or “to break bread with another.” Intimacy in companionship is good for the heart because it lifts it up and points it to heavenliness.
And too, nothing is more important in life than having God at our side in prayer.