We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25
In the midst of the creation story “the Lord God said: it is not good for the man to be alone”. (Genesis 2:18) We do not flourish as people by being isolated, but by engaging as members of a community. We have an obligation to support those around us, while at the same time allowing ourselves to be supported and guided by the community.
But community does not just happen! It is something that requires all of us working together to develop. Participating in and building up the community is one of the ways that Catholics are called to live a life of faith, and at the service of the dignity of the human person by fostering the social values of truth, freedom, justice and love.
A great danger in today’s world is living in isolation, getting caught up in our own interests and concerns, no longer having room for others in our lives, and looking for faith on our own. Over time “God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades.” (Pope Francis)
As Pope Benedict taught us “You can never look for faith in isolation; it is only found in an encounter with people who believe, who can understand you, who have perhaps come by way of a similar situation themselves, who can in some way lead you and help you. It is always among us that faith grows. Anyone who wants to go it alone has thus got it wrong from the very start.” (Pope Benedict XVI)
By Deacon Christopher Weiland
Retreat During Daily Life 