EVERY year, precisely on the very meaningful feast of the
conversion
of St. Paul, January 25, the Church culminates its Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity that starts on January 18.
St. Paul, of course, is very emblematic of this concern since he is
the apostle of the Gentiles who expanded the Jewish belief that the
divine redeemer is meant only for them.
It’s a good occasion to reflect on the unity that Christ himself
prayed for so fervently just before entering into his passion and
death. From the gospel of St. John, chapter 17, we have this beautiful
account of Christ’s prayer:
“Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that
they may be one, even as we are one...The glory which thou hast given
me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in
them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the
world may know that thou hast sent me...”
May it be that this desire of Christ himself becomes a reality.
Christian unity is, of course, a spiritual and supernatural goal that
is mainly invisible. But since it concerns us, who are both body and
soul, then it cannot help but also have some visible elements.
This, I think, is where much of the problem in the pursuit of this
elusive Christian unity lies. There are those, presumably with very
good intentions, who believe that just by believing in Christ in a
personal way, then this Christian unity is already attained.
That position obviously encounters serious problems and difficulties
right at the first base. How can we say we have Christian unity when
in spite of believing, at least in theory, in Christ, we have
different, even conflicting doctrines and beliefs, ways and practices,
etc.?
Can we say there is unity if one group says Christ is man only, not
God, and another says Christ is God only, not man? Can there be unity
if one group says salvation is through faith alone, while another says
it is only through works?
There are many, many things that need to be ironed out, and that’s
why, especially in this Year of Faith, a continuing discussion of
doctrinal matters be pursued relentlessly in all levels, from top to
bottom.
Christian unity is, of course, not a matter of uniformity. A rich and
great variety of forms and expressions can be compatible with
Christian unity. But it has a basic core that cannot be compromised,
and that core is both spiritual and material, eternal and temporal,
charismatic and hierarchical, invisible and visible.
Obviously, Christian unity will not only be a product of theological
discussions. It involves the whole gamut of human and divine relations
that actually cover everything. On the human side, it would be good if
fraternal relations with Churches and ecclesial communities not yet in
full communion with the Catholic Church are intensified.
In this, let us always be friendly with everyone, even with those who
at the moment may be against us in point of doctrine and praxis.
Friendliness, as aspect of love, will always win at the end of the
day.
On the spiritual side, this cause would be served well if everyone
prays for it in earnest and offers generous sacrifices, big or small.
We should be ready to become martyrs for this cause, like St. Pedro
Calungsod.
God’s grace works in mysterious ways, and can affect us in ways far
beyond our understanding and planning. We should also realize the
great need for the recourse to the sacraments and a continuing
ascetical struggle for holiness. These are the non-negotiables.
We also need to study our doctrine well and hone up our skills at
dialogue which is crucial in the quest for Christian unity. Though
each one has a role to play here, it cannot be denied that a few would
have to be chosen and properly trained to pursue this particular task
on behalf of the Church and all souls.
Let’s hope that our seminaries and other centers of formation are
giving adequate attention to this concern. Guidelines, and even a
directory of relevant instructions, have already be formulated for
this purpose.
It’s not an easy task. It demands a lot of patience and flexibility
without entering into improper compromises. But it has to be tackled
boldly, not hesitatingly. Let’s pray that everyone realizes this.
Let’s take advantage of the Year of Faith to pursue Christian unity,
the fervent desire of Christ himself.
of St. Paul, January 25, the Church culminates its Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity that starts on January 18.
St. Paul, of course, is very emblematic of this concern since he is
the apostle of the Gentiles who expanded the Jewish belief that the
divine redeemer is meant only for them.
It’s a good occasion to reflect on the unity that Christ himself
prayed for so fervently just before entering into his passion and
death. From the gospel of St. John, chapter 17, we have this beautiful
account of Christ’s prayer:
“Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that
they may be one, even as we are one...The glory which thou hast given
me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in
them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the
world may know that thou hast sent me...”
May it be that this desire of Christ himself becomes a reality.
Christian unity is, of course, a spiritual and supernatural goal that
is mainly invisible. But since it concerns us, who are both body and
soul, then it cannot help but also have some visible elements.
This, I think, is where much of the problem in the pursuit of this
elusive Christian unity lies. There are those, presumably with very
good intentions, who believe that just by believing in Christ in a
personal way, then this Christian unity is already attained.
That position obviously encounters serious problems and difficulties
right at the first base. How can we say we have Christian unity when
in spite of believing, at least in theory, in Christ, we have
different, even conflicting doctrines and beliefs, ways and practices,
etc.?
Can we say there is unity if one group says Christ is man only, not
God, and another says Christ is God only, not man? Can there be unity
if one group says salvation is through faith alone, while another says
it is only through works?
There are many, many things that need to be ironed out, and that’s
why, especially in this Year of Faith, a continuing discussion of
doctrinal matters be pursued relentlessly in all levels, from top to
bottom.
Christian unity is, of course, not a matter of uniformity. A rich and
great variety of forms and expressions can be compatible with
Christian unity. But it has a basic core that cannot be compromised,
and that core is both spiritual and material, eternal and temporal,
charismatic and hierarchical, invisible and visible.
Obviously, Christian unity will not only be a product of theological
discussions. It involves the whole gamut of human and divine relations
that actually cover everything. On the human side, it would be good if
fraternal relations with Churches and ecclesial communities not yet in
full communion with the Catholic Church are intensified.
In this, let us always be friendly with everyone, even with those who
at the moment may be against us in point of doctrine and praxis.
Friendliness, as aspect of love, will always win at the end of the
day.
On the spiritual side, this cause would be served well if everyone
prays for it in earnest and offers generous sacrifices, big or small.
We should be ready to become martyrs for this cause, like St. Pedro
Calungsod.
God’s grace works in mysterious ways, and can affect us in ways far
beyond our understanding and planning. We should also realize the
great need for the recourse to the sacraments and a continuing
ascetical struggle for holiness. These are the non-negotiables.
We also need to study our doctrine well and hone up our skills at
dialogue which is crucial in the quest for Christian unity. Though
each one has a role to play here, it cannot be denied that a few would
have to be chosen and properly trained to pursue this particular task
on behalf of the Church and all souls.
Let’s hope that our seminaries and other centers of formation are
giving adequate attention to this concern. Guidelines, and even a
directory of relevant instructions, have already be formulated for
this purpose.
It’s not an easy task. It demands a lot of patience and flexibility
without entering into improper compromises. But it has to be tackled
boldly, not hesitatingly. Let’s pray that everyone realizes this.
Let’s take advantage of the Year of Faith to pursue Christian unity,
the fervent desire of Christ himself.
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