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Augustine on Community
Although Augustine did not apparently use the word community
frequently in the Rule or in his other writings, he obviously had a tremendous
understanding of the concept, and the benefits of living with others in harmony.
Throughout his life, Augustine formed communities dedicated to Christian friendship and
the ongoing pursuit of both truth and the love of God. "One of the most striking characteristics of an
Augustinian community is that God is to be sought, encountered and possessed in and
through the mutual love and concern of the members for one another." In an
Augustinian community "everything is to be other directed, aimed toward making
possible what Augustine laid down as the first principle - that God is truly loved and
honored through concrete service to one another."
Though relatively brief, the Rule of
Augustine establishes in short order, the principles through which community is
created and maintained. Among the most relevant to us are:
- All members are to share cheerfully what they
have, and are to receive only according to their need.
- All work is to be accomplished for the common
good of all.
- All members are to exercise mutual care and
vigilance over one another.
- The sick are to be a special object of care in
the community.
- Any one who offends another is expected to ask
for pardon and receive forgiveness as soon as possible.
- Prayer at fixed times is essential.
Central to these principles is overcoming the human
tendency to favor individualism and one's own ego, which Augustine saw as a major obstacle
to achieving unity among members and to living the Gospel.
"To be a family of God, to be a community of love, and in that community to strive
for the perfect realization of the ideals of Christian life" are at the heart of all
that Augustine hoped to accomplish in forming communities.
Footnotes to follow - CMJ |
