CHAPTER 7: LIVING IN COMMUNION 227 such, it enables and justifies faithfulness towards multiple ecclesial traditions. They also understand Eucharistic sharing to be a proper way to express and foster the level of unity that still exists, allowing it to grow further towards full communion. Without reaching solid conclusions, Brother BF indicates that his experience of communion on an affectionate level interferes with his intellectual understanding of communion. In his interview, he seems unable to reconcile both elements. Yet, this confusing experience urges him to take efforts to substantiate the communion which he believes to be present without feeling it and, at the same time, to pursue formal and structural ecclesial communion with those from other ecclesial traditions with whom he already experiences a deep affectionate communion. In short, the experiences and subsequent reflections of the monastics both enrich and disturb their original views on church membership and communion. The experience of a common life and a common Eucharist reinforces their Baptismal identity and their sense of belonging to the one body of Christ, regardless of denominational belonging. That very starting point questions the limits set by denominational membership and, instead, encourages them to pursue faithfulness to multiple ecclesial traditions. This desire is expressed most prominently in their membership of the ecumenical communities while they struggle to materialize it on other levels.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk4NDMw