I think humans have evolved with a lot of self-interest and aggression to survive. We all have. But if we are to evolve into the whole and best of who we are (and not destroy ourselves)... and evolve spiritually... then I think we need to build community where creative love can operate in relationships, prayer and service of others.

I felt the power of creative love at work in my school community over the years that I was a teacher. I miss its sense of community and service a lot. At the same time, I know I have a lot more to learn about community. I suppose you can only learn by doing it.

I have been privileged and blessed to be invited to stay at a number of convents (on one occasion, when I was unwell, for eight weeks). The friendship and love I have been given, and the witness of sisters living in community, has had a huge influence on me.

It goes back to what I have written about God, and relationship, and sharing: God, who in eternity lives in the community of the Trinity, and shares consciousness and awareness; God, who sometimes shares God's own awareness with people in contemplation. I think that Christians have a huge amount they could learn from the experience of men and women who devote themselves to religious life in community.

One of the best 'Rules' of life I have come across is the little book "Living in Hope" by the Society of St John the Evangelist in Massachusetts. It explores the challenges and blessings of living and sharing in community. I commend it.