Conclusion

At the end of this letter, are we brave enough to echo what David said? "How good, how delightful it is for all to live together like brothers; fine as oil on the head, running down the beard, running down Aaron's beard to the collar of his robes" (Ps. 133, 1-2). There is a risk in invoking the image; in some cultures it is not likely to arouse the sentiments expressed by the Psalm. But that fragrant oil is the anointing which permeates the whole person and fills him with the Spirit of God. In the same way, community life is the joy of living together in the measure in which it is permeated by the anointing of the Spirit and in the measure in which it expresses the gift of the whole self simply for the service of Christ's mission, in the image and through the intercession of Our Lady.

Fraternally yours in the Lord,
Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J.
Superior General

Rome, 12 March 1998