Fraternal life in the community
At the monastery, communal life is both a human support and a demanding form of asceticism. There are few groups of human beings that are as heterogeneous as monks, yet lead such a communal existence. Neither affinities, nor skills, nor a mutual choice, nor blood ties are at the origin of their assembly. Very different on their arrival at the monastery and apparently brought together by chance, monks nevertheless live together, side-by-side, throughout their entire lives. A mosaic of generations, social origins, talents and colourful characters. There is no prior unity between them, except that of the goal they pursue together, although this is considerable.
The first Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the Eucharist and to prayer”
(Acts of the Apostles 2:42)
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”.
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (1 Corinthians, 12:26).
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.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11).