COMMUNITY -- ASSOCIATES -- COMUNIDAD -- ASOCIADOS

A short reflection based on a quote from Father Norman Butler, MS.  On the second day, wrapping up the reports from the small language groups, here is what he said:

 My conclusion.  <A desire to be adult lay Christians sharing responsibility in the Church and sharing responsibility with the LS missionaries to be instruments of reconciliation.  It seems to me very important that we are talking about laity “helping Father” but we are talking about shared responsibility in the Church and the accomplishing of its work.  The clergy has to know this and be able to understand this desire and this willingness to share at the ministerial level.>

Based on this, I have been reflecting on the deep meaning of "shared responsibility."  It has brought me to the point where I am forced to delve into the essential difference between "association" and "community."  It has been and continues to be a challenging exercise both intellectual and emotional.  I am going to try to make it challenging for the reader as well.  I do not pretend that I am going to propose the final word, but I pray that the thoughts will be provoking, in a positive way.