Building up unity

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  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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