For my retreat I chose to live with the Common Friars for a few days at the Good Earth Farm in Athens, Ohio. They are a small community in formation as a religious community here in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Among other things they grow and distribute healthy organic produce to local food pantries and shelters. They do this with the help of many volunteers from their parish of the Church of the Good Shepherd and the surrounding area.
The country air here is refreshing. It is not a place of putting on airs at all. It is a place of common folk - Common Friars living together, sharing, working, praying and playing together. There is a certain draw here; a sense of the the presence of the Holy. The question arises, could I ever live in a place like this? There are couples and single people living here, so I wouldn't have to revisit the issue of celibacy. Actually, I don't think I would ever revisit that issue. I remain open to the possibility of meeting someone someday.
There are joys and struggles in living together a common life. I've experienced some of that in just the few days I've been here. That is true of every community whether it is of two people or more.
We are drawn to live in community, We are created as social beings. Yet there is also a draw to emphasize the me in the relationship of community. We are called to live in healthy balance of taking care of self and others. I came seeking to reclaim balance in my life and I think I have.
My retreat was not all that I planned it to be, but it was everything God intended it to be!
I look forward to leading the youth mission trip to this holy place in June.
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