Putting the Community back in Catholic Community

Think about every person you walked by today on your way to work, class, or even to get a cup of coffee. There are a few things happening in that brief moment of your day.

Scenario #1: You glance at who it is quickly, to make sure you don't know them, and look away just as fast. You may pretend to check the time, look for something in your bag, fake a phone call, or all of a sudden realize how blue the sky can be...

Scenario #2: You stare. Possibly making eye contact, but fail to smile or even speak to the innocent bystander. They then walk by you, maybe even causing you to turn your head...

Scenario #3: You don't care who it is, and you look at them until they make eye contact. You greet that brief second with a smile and maybe a simple hello...

We all fall into the first two examples above time and time again. It is just something about human nature these days that zips our lips when confronted with another human. Sure, you might be shy. Nothing wrong with that. But what makes you feel better personally, a smile or a glare? Even in a bad mood, it might be worth making that effort at showing just a little grin, it might make you feel better.

This comes to mind on the heels of a reflection that Ithaca junior Samantha Wolfe gave at Muller Chapel on Sunday. She spoke about her experience working at Nazareth Farm over the winter recess. Nazareth Farm is a Catholic community in West Virginia that is kind of like a service/retreat opportunity for all kinds of people. Those that attend help with housing repair in the area.

Samantha emphasized very eloquently the simple idea of being a part of community while down there. She didn't know many people, but that didn't matter. At Nazareth Farm, being alive was basically a celebration. That's missing in the rest of society today.

Why not try Scenario #3 up above in your own travels? Every person has their own individual community. It's up to you make that community a healthy or depressing one. As Samantha pointed out, walking around with headphones blaring in your ears doesn't help...and yeah if you can't tell that's a pet peeve of mine too. You might find a friend or just a person to talk to along the way.

I never thought I would, but I actually did this the other day without even thinking about it. I had a good 20 minutes in between two classes, so I grabbed a yogurt parfait...don't ask why...and looked for somewhere to just sit and eat it. My first instinct was to find a comfortable chair so I could enjoy it alone. But, alas, every place to relax was taken. So, considering she was on a seat big enough for two people, I asked a girl on her laptop if I could sit next to her. Now, it's not what you think, I wasn't looking for a date or even a phone number. Though I was intensely focused on the oats in my yogurt, this girl started asking me about my day. A conversation ensued, and when the time came for class to start...I was in a better mood. I hope she was too. I asked her for just her name as I was leaving, and to be honest...I forgot it.

I think God was telling me that this was one of those times where names didn't matter, just being able to talk to someone I didn't know made all the difference. Think of how much more pleasant your life could be by recognizing those people around you as those filled with the Grace of God. By talking to them, you learn not only more about them, but yourself as well.

Now, I might not see that girl again, but I can still have a random conversation like that again. I know it's cliche, but it helps. Think about every person you've met. They all have an interesting story to tell.

It might start with that simple smile, or gesture of hello. By staying involved in the community around you, your outlook on life might get a bit more positive. Your life might not be the greatest at the time, but why not get excited for others in their successes?

That celebration of life is something you don't get by pretending to check the time.