Fraternal life in the community

Over and above being the place of fraternal relations, according to the Rule, the monastic community is the field for spiritual combat, the fierceness of which should neither be exaggerated nor ignored. Often inconspicuous and always personal, it belongs to everyone – not that it is the same for everyone, but rather because everyone confronts it in turn as the community is a body, a “small Church”.

The monks know that their community, its brothers and its difficulties – if they do not flee from them – will prove fertile ground for their progress. The tense, busy days therefore allow for the possibility of seeing hidden courage emerge, which then matures without even being cultivated. Those who love their vocation also love the combat for the affection and ineffable love of the Lord to emerge… and for finding, hidden under the roughness, the affection of fraternal life, which may be reserved and virile, yet is highly effective. No affection for protecting, as with children. No easy complicity for weakening through reassurance. This is a vigilant presence, that hopes for much from others, makes huge demands, gives as much as is possible and, above all, gives.