To look at the word, "community," one might think it is a noun. It is actually a verb, in the sense that community requires action. Without people doing something toward the building of community, there is no community. Benedict knew this well. Several places in his Rule show us how much Benedict was a community person, a person of action.



The following quotations are from the Prologue:

• "...welcome it [advice from one who loves you] and put it into practice..."
• "If you desire true and eternal life, 'keep your tongue free from vicious talk and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and aim.'"
• "If we wish to dwell in God's tent, we will never arrive unless we run there by doing good deeds".
• "With this conclusion, God waits for us daily to translate into action, as we should, these holy teachings."

Joan Chittister, a modern monastic woman, writes, "I only live community when I, too, create community". Nearly every healthy person who sees a Christian community is attracted to it. People may even want to join a community, because of this attraction. My question for people considering coming to community is, "I can see that you are attracted to community, that you desire community-but can you make community?"

How do I know when people are actually making community? I look for certain behavioral evidence. I look for evidence of love: Are members speaking to each other? Are members regarding each other highly? Are they attentive to each other's needs? Are they listening to each other?

I look for evidence of joy: Are members laughing and smiling? Are they content? Are members living out of a positive attitude?

I look for evidence of generous hearts: Do members volunteer to do what needs to be done? Do they follow through with their responsibilities? Do they do a bit more than what is required? Do members have the ability to change?

I look for evidence that people support the mission: Are members faithful to prayer? Are they faithful in attending community meetings and gatherings? Do members prepare well for and contribute to the meetings? Do they step up to leadership opportunities?

I look for evidence of trust: Do members share on deep levels? Do they speak their minds? Do they keep confidences?



Christian community is intentional, interactive, labor-intensive, and action-oriented. It requires love, joy, generosity, support of the mission, and trust. Community is not a static noun. It is an active verb! How are you making community happen in your life?


--Monika Ellis, OSB




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