Thursday, February 9, 2012

Alone Or Together

Today I saw dog walkers in the park. Each had six dogs all walking together. These are dogs who would not get out much with their owners, who might be old, busy, or lame. So owners hire out people to walk their dogs. A dog who does not like to be around other dogs would not make it into this group. Such a dog would be left with a minimal life around the house, neighborhood or backyard.

These dogs I saw had to like or at least be patient with their kind because they walk right up alongside one another in a pack, smelling the same smells each day. These are communal dogs. I have met people who would rather isolate and be miserable, than join a group and maybe get out of themselves. I see it in churches all the time. They put in minimal effort to the communal worship service. They would be just as happy if no one else were there but them. A community of one suits them fine, or at least the misery of one is better than the fear or effort to become part of something bigger than themself. They are part of the body of Christ, but it is a stretch. They prefer the outer extremities. Do they think no one else will be in heaven but them?

1 comment:

  1. "Let them compete in showing obedience to one another"
    Rule of St. Benedict 72:6

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