Spirituality of Communion

THEOLOGY 4:
• LIVING THE CHRISTIAN VISION IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD:
Harmony with God: Called to Communion

C. Spirituality of Communion
NAME : E.M. Jamilla
UST – Institute of Religion

Does individualism empower or
alienate one from his true purpose?
Lightening the Burdens of Individualism
http://livingmeanings.com/the-burdens-of-individualism/
The Crisis of Individualism
Individualism
LS 162
• “Men and women of our

postmodern world run the risk
of rampant individualism, and
many problems of society are
connected with today’s self-
centered culture of instant
gratification.”
The Effects and Consequences of Individualism:
It isolates the human person from one’s true
fulfillment;
The World is Torn Apart
How?
extreme individualism often
leads to the idea that one’s
personality is shaped by his or
her desires, which are considered
absolute. (Relatio Synodi, 2014 in AL 33).
It has led to a loss of a sense of

solidarity with and responsibility
for others. (MetM 18)
personalism opts for authenticity as opposed to mere
conformity. While this can favor spontaneity and a
better use of people’s talents, if misdirected it can
foster attitudes of constant suspicion, fear of
commitment, self-centeredness and arrogance. (AL 33)
Freedom of choice that lacks noble goals or personal

discipline, it degenerates into an inability to give
oneself generously to others. (AL 33)
What do we do?
At the Service of a
Communion
that Evangelizes
The Early Christian Community
Acts 2:40-47
40And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this
corrupt generation.’ 41So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three
thousand persons were added. 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to
the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Life among the Believers
43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44All
who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would sell their possessions and
goods and distribute the proceeds* to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent much time
together in the temple, they broke bread at home* and ate their food with glad and
generous* hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord
added to their number those who were being saved.
Antidote to
Individualism
• Spirituality of
communion which
heals, promotes and
reinforces interpersonal
bonds (cf. EG 67)
Meaning and Nature of the Spirituality of
Communion
It also means an ability to think of our
A spirituality of communion indicates brothers and sisters in faith within the
above all the heart's contemplation of the profound unity of the Mystical Body, and
mystery of the Trinity dwelling in us, and therefore as "those who are a part of
whose light we must also be able to see me". This makes us able to share their
shining on the face of the brothers and joys and sufferings, to sense their desires
sisters around us. and attend to their needs, to offer them
deep and genuine friendship.
Meaning and Nature of the Spirituality of
Communion
A spirituality of communion means,
A spirituality of communion implies finally, to know how to "make room"
also the ability to see what is positive in for our brothers and sisters, bearing
others, to welcome it and prize it as a "each other's burdens" (Gal 6:2) and
gift from God: not only as a gift for the resisting the selfish temptations which
brother or sister who has received it constantly beset us and provoke
directly, but also as a "gift for me.” competition, careerism, distrust and
jealousy.
Nurturing the Spirituality…
This Spirituality of Communion must be

cultivated and extended day by day and at every
level in the structures of each Church's life.
i.e. Thetheology and spirituality of communion encourage a fruitful
dialogue between Pastors and faithful: on the one hand uniting
them a priori in all that is essential, and on the other leading them
to pondered agreement in matters open to discussion.
Communion in Difference (AL 139)
• Keep an open mind. Fraternal communion is enriched by

respect and appreciation for differences within an overall
perspective that advances the common good. We need to
free ourselves from feeling that we all have to be alike.
• A certain astuteness is also needed to prevent the appearance
of “static” that can interfere with the process of dialogue.
• The ability to say what one is thinking without offending the
other person is important. Words should be carefully chosen
so as not to offend, especially when discussing difficult issues.
The challenge…
To promote a spirituality of
To make the Church the home and the communion, making it the guiding
school of communion: that is the principle of education wherever
great challenge facing us in the individuals and Christians are formed,
millennium which is now beginning, if wherever ministers of the altar,
we wish to be faithful to God's plan consecrated persons, and pastoral
and respond to the world's deepest workers are trained, wherever
yearnings. families and communities are being
built up.

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THEOLOGY 4:

• LIVING THE CHRISTIAN VISION IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD:

Harmony with God: Called to Communion

NAME : E.M. Jamilla

UST – Institute of Religion

• “Men and women of our

The World is Torn Apart

It has led to a loss of a sense of

Freedom of choice that lacks noble goals or personal

This Spirituality of Communion must be

• Keep an open mind. Fraternal communion is enriched by

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