A [Very] Micro-Communitarian Solution: Part 2

Change Yourself to Change the Times

I am going to make two simple, even brash, statements. Sometimes when such things are done, it closes ears and minds. I can only beg you NOT to respond that way, but rather to hear and to think on it. Here it goes:

• We live at a time of general, societal collapse, much like the time of the barbarian invasions of the western Roman empire, and

• We can trace the origin of this civilizational decline to the year 1534, when a king usurped the power of the Church, allegedly uniting the rule of both under him, while setting into motion the destruction of the delicate, ancient and beneficial balance of power between altar and throne.

To say that death and revolution and disorder and a host of other evils followed would be the understatement of all time.

I said, Lord Norfolk, that Thomas More was right: The King is no longer the citizenry’s father and friend! Rather, he is a danger to every person living in the realm….as will be EVERY “LEADER” (more truthfully, “MASTER”) hereafter. [Seriously, though, watch A Man For All Seasons.]

Indeed, we have been living on acquired spiritual, political and economic capital ever since. But that has just about run out and our modern-day “masters” know it. Thus, the push for a “prison planet.”

Okay, enough cheering you up! I’m supposed to be offering you a solution!??!

And what would that be? Well, I suggested in my initial article in this series to unite as families, the basic building block of every society. Let’s face it, if the larger society self-destructs…it is, has and continues…then we have no choice but to start again from scratch. PLEASE NOTE: I am not advocating the overthrow of any government, but rather stating the rather obvious reality that new leadership will naturally arise when the current, corrupt, ruling class implodes.

Interestingly, one person commented that my suggestion was sound, but that such an idea would only work if one’s family was still intact and united in belief. Of course, I agree, but the concept of “micro-community” can be smaller than even a family. In fact, a community can start with just a single person.

How?

Well, one person, with God, is a community. And these new communities WILL BE, by necessity, religious in character. Expect, for instance, to fully embrace the evangelical counsels of Poverty and Obedience. For, it is going to be hard. Very hard. But, as you suffer through it, ask yourself this simple question:

Would I rather live in a community of people that I love?

Or back in the State of disaffected “voters” subject to the whims of the “master”?

To me, it’s not even a contest. Out to the land God gave me and make with it what I can…either alone (with God) or with others (and God). Our lack of faith is the only thing that can get in the way. Or maybe a thuggish “law” enforcement officer who throws me into a cell…or to the gallows like Thomas More! Yes, some of us will die in this contest between the old “state” and the new one we are building. I say, so be it. I am not too keen on living with barbarians anyway.

Ultimately, it will take this depth of change in the core of our being. Faith, hope and charity cannot remain words we use, but don’t live, love and act with. It is said that as the Vandals were ransacking and marching towards Hippo, St. Augustine lay in bed dying. The people, full of fear and anxiety, went to his residence and cried, “O Bishop, these times, these times, help us!” St. Augustine reputedly said: “Who made these times? Who placed you in these times? When you change yourselves, the times will change!”

Amen.

Now, I beg you again, start building your kingdoms with Christ as your King!