CHAPTER 8 – PENANCE AND OBEDIENCE
“Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer
In the Coworkers of Christ, the spiritual discipline of penance is understood not as mere self-punishment, but as a transformative process of acknowledging our brokenness and turning towards healing and reconciliation. It is a recognition of the gap between who we are and who we are called to be, a humble acceptance of our human fallibility. This journey of penance involves honest self-reflection, examining our thoughts, words, and actions in the light of the Gospel. It’s a commitment to taking responsibility for our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness, both from God and from those we may have harmed. This process may involve practices such as prayer, fasting, confession, and acts of service, all aimed at fostering a contrite heart and a renewed commitment to living a life of love and mercy.
Penance within the Coworkers of Christ is also a communal practice. We acknowledge that sin often has a ripple effect, impacting not only ourselves but also those around us. Therefore, we support one another in our journey of repentance, offering encouragement, accountability, and forgiveness. We strive to create a safe space where members can honestly share their struggles and receive compassionate support. This communal aspect of penance emphasizes the interconnectedness of our lives and underscores our shared responsibility for building a community of love and reconciliation. It is through this shared journey of acknowledging our need for grace and embracing the transformative power of forgiveness that we grow closer to God and to one another.
For the Coworkers of Christ, obedience is not blind submission, but a discerning and loving response to God’s call. It is a commitment to aligning our will with the will of God, as revealed through Scripture, prayer, and the wisdom of the community. This involves listening attentively to the voice of the Holy Spirit and seeking to understand God’s purpose for our lives. Obedience within the community also encompasses a willingness to respect the guidance of elected servant leaders, recognizing their role in discerning the needs of the community and fostering its spiritual growth. It is a commitment to working together harmoniously, each member contributing their unique gifts and talents to the common good.
Obedience in the Coworkers of Christ is rooted in love and characterized by a spirit of collaboration. It is not about surrendering individual autonomy, but about freely choosing to participate in a shared vision. This involves open communication, respectful dialogue, and a willingness to consider different perspectives. While members are expected to uphold the Rule and guidelines of the community, they are also encouraged to express their thoughts and concerns. This balance between individual discernment and communal guidance allows for a dynamic and evolving understanding of God’s will, fostering both personal growth and the flourishing of the community as a whole.
Penance and obedience are deeply intertwined in the life of a Coworker of Christ. The journey of penance, with its focus on self-reflection and acknowledging our shortcomings, cultivates the humility necessary for true obedience.
Recognizing our brokenness and need for God’s grace opens our hearts to a deeper understanding of God’s will and a greater willingness to follow it. Conversely, the practice of obedience, by aligning our lives with God’s purpose, strengthens our commitment to penance. As we strive to live according to God’s guidance, we become more aware of the areas where we fall short, prompting a renewed desire for reconciliation and growth. This cyclical relationship between penance and obedience fosters a continuous process of spiritual refinement, leading us closer to God and empowering us to live lives of love and service.
“It is not for quiet and security that we have formed a community in the monastery, but for a struggle and a conflict. We have met here for a contest, we have embarked upon a war against our sins…. The struggle upon which we are engaged is full of hardships, full of dangers, for it is the struggle of man against himself… For this purpose we have gathered together in this tranquil retreat, this spiritual camp, that we may day after day wage an unwearying war against our passions.” Faustus of Riez
- Scriptural Support
Jesus proclaimed the good news of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand! Reform your lives and believe in the gospel!” Mark 1:14,15 (NAB)
I appeal to you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Rom. 12:1,2 (RSV)