CHAPTER 7 – THROUGH THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE
The Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ is built upon a foundation of three core Christ-centered practices: penance-obedience, chastity-poverty, and forgiveness-reconciliation. These interwoven spiritual practices guide the lives of individual members and shape the character of the Community as a whole.
Penance and obedience are understood as two sides of the same coin. Through practices of self-reflection, repentance, and inner discipline (penance), members strive for continual spiritual growth. Obedience, in this context, extends beyond simply following rules. It signifies a willingness to submit to God’s will and the guidance of the Community servant leadership, fostering a spirit of humility and mutual support. This combined focus on penance and obedience allows the Coworkers of Christ to refine their character and become more receptive to God’s grace.
Chastity, within the Coworkers of Christ, transcends mere sexual abstinence. It signifies a dedication to focusing one’s love and energy entirely on God. This allows for deeper spiritual intimacy and a clearer capacity to serve others. Poverty, in this context, is not about material deprivation. It represents a freedom from attachment to material possessions, enabling the Coworkers of Christ to live simply and share their resources generously. By embracing both chastity and poverty, members cultivate a life centered on love of God and service to others.
Forgiveness and reconciliation are essential for the Coworkers of Christ. Recognizing that all people fall short, the Community prioritizes forgiveness as a path towards healing and restoration. Members are encouraged to actively seek forgiveness for their own transgressions and extend forgiveness readily to others. Reconciliation, then, becomes the natural outgrowth of forgiveness. Through open communication, empathy, and a willingness to mend broken relationships, the Coworkers of Christ foster a supportive and healing community where love and understanding can flourish.
These three Christian practices – penance-obedience, chastity-poverty, and forgiveness-reconciliation – are the guiding principles that shape the spiritual life of the Coworkers of Christ. By integrating these values into their daily lives, members cultivate a deep connection with God, foster a spirit of service, and create a Christ-centered community that offers love, support, and a path to spiritual growth for all.
Scriptural Support
Jesus said [to the rich young man], “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard
this they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matt. 19:21-26 (RSV)
When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ Acts 5:27-32 (NRSV)
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:22-25 (ESV)
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor. 5:16-21 (ESV)