My dictionary defines “collaborate” as: [from the Latin collaboratus, past participle of collaborare, to work together from com, with + laborare, to work] 1. to work together, especially in some literary, artistic, or scientific undertaking. 2. to cooperate with the enemy; be a collaborationist.
Paradoxically, many a great writer, artist, or scientist apparently has worked alone, either because of a quirk of personality or even a selfish desire to be a solitary achiever.
On the other hand, what accomplishments are the fruit of exclusively individual invention or creation with no reliance on or influence at all from the work of confreres, predecessors, or antecedents?
Collaboration is not a mathematical concept, in the sense that one and one makes two—for frequently and often the work of two people together can reach a level and attainment that exceeds the capacity of either separately!
A collaborationist, literally, doesn’t have to be an enemy (the current usage of the word), but could refer to any group of people, joined together to some extent in seeking a solution to a common problem or working together to complete a common task.
Further, collaboration certainly could include collaboration in the quest for meaning in our lives, knowledge of the will of God, faith, and religion.
Genesis tells the story of Creation:
In 1:26 it says: “Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the tame animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl on the earth.”
In 2:15 it says: “The Lord God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.
“Have dominion” and “cultivate and care for” are collaboration mandates!
Notwithstanding the many great writers, artists, scientists, and other specialists, from the beginning the plan of God for us involves and has involved collaboration—collaboration in the work of creation and in the care and shaping of the created world.
Collaboration is related to “synodality” defined as: [from the Greek συν, together + ὁδός, way or journey] 1. The specific modus vivendi et operandi of the Church, the People of God, which reveals and gives substance to her being as communion when all her members journey together, gather in assembly and take an active part in her evangelizing mission. 2. the involvement and participation of the whole People of God in the life and mission of the Church.
The mission of the Church then is not merely the concern and responsibility of the clergy and the religious but includes the “laity” also—that is, it includes each and every one of the members of the Church!
It’s an aberration if we’re all not involved in collaboration! Just because this may have been the practice for a long, long time doesn’t mean it’s right.
Now, we’re trying to revise and restore the correct order of things and of responsibilities in the work of God.
Is it disturbing? Of course, all radical change is disturbing!
Do we get it exactly right? Hopefully, but, remember, we’re used to progressing through a process of trial and error.
Don’t become frozen in place, but beware of thin ice as you try to get moving again!
You’re not meant to be a monument to the past but may be challenged to be a pioneer—one of those who dare to go or lead the way to where few have gone before!
2 April 2023