Cooked in the Common Pot

Citizen of a community

At this point, I just would like to highlight, something which is challenging in every member of a community- the dimension of participation as a citizen of a community. Let me ask you first of all how widespread is your participation in the community? To what extent can you afford to give yourself and to be a channel to which people could relate you meaningfully? If we are to remain civilized, the art of associating together must grow and improve. We have to remember always that in the formation, and being part of a community/family, our lifestyle is not that of a theatre where we are called to be actors. We are a family, a group of people with its own frailties and vulnerabilities. Therefore, we are called to assist others and be assisted by the community, to know oneself and be genuinely himself in the community.

We have a very special role in the community. Its many physical and special tasks performances are in the category of every member, which ought to be shared and enjoyed by the rest of the family. Genuine concern, kindness, understanding and compassion should be in our consciousness. Our participation, either in emotional side of our brothers or the physical presence is a challenge, for those who do not participate and give themselves freely tend to be indifferent toward everything beyond their private concerns. If they are not of our interest, we will never bother, and that is a strong weakness! Having no or little contact to our community is a sign that we have little or non at all contact with the real world.

Another thing, what we lack always is coordination. If the community weakens, we need to be together, to plan, to change the picture and give the family a new face, radiating to others. The sad thing is that seldom those community members would open their mouths. They would never say anything, but later on complain among themselves. There is more space for remarkable silence than confronting issues. Citizens in communities cannot cooperate unless we are able to understand and clearly express ourselves. If we will not participate and become good citizens in our community, we are likely not able to understand what is going on, and when crisis appears, our reaction is completely not in line with the community struggles. We will be led astray by our selfishness.

Our community has always the potentiality for further development, which may be fully actualized in our mutual knowledge, respect, and love and sharing as citizens of the community. Having gifts that differ to others, let us use them in proportion to our faith and community life- in service, in teaching, giving aid, in acts of mercy and cheerfulness for EACH ONE IS UNIQUE TO EACH OTHER- But are we living out of what we should be- fulfilling, happy and growing family? Is my life peaceful and joyful? Perhaps, you have become very idealistic so that others are tenser with you. Do not assume that you are always understood by people.