Some of the world’s problems are so
immense that we wonder how individuals like us can make a difference. Issues
like poverty and racism are so deeply ingrained that we doubt that any one of
us can make a lasting change in the culture. The sheer enormity of these
dilemmas can tempt us to throw our hands up and become indifferent to the
struggles of our brothers and sisters around the world.
One such problem that has been with us for
centuries is the disunity among Christians. For many complex historical reasons,
Christians have split into thousands of denominations, each pursuing its own understanding of what Jesus taught.
The situation is nothing short of tragic. Not only has it caused confusion
about the Christian message, it also has weakened our witness to the world of
what Jesus taught. If instead of loving one another we are bickering and
fighting, then how can anyone believe the truth of what we profess?
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus is
praying for unity among His disciples. He prays “...that they may be one…” His
intention is that all those who are baptized and claim Him as their Lord and
Savior not only profess one belief but also live in loving communion with one
another. Sadly, we have let Jesus down. We are not one in belief, one in practice
or one in love as Jesus prayed we would be.
What can we do about it? Are the divisions
too deep for any one of us to overcome them? Are the wounds too painful for any
one of us to heal them? Perhaps. However, we can take steps to repair what has
been broken. The disunity among Christians is the result of thousands of
individual acts of disrespect, misunderstanding and even violence. Our return
to unity will only come about through thousands more acts of respect, mutual
understanding and forgiveness. We cannot change history but we can change
ourselves. And history shows that changes in attitude and behavior can make all
the difference.
What steps can we begin to take today to
make Jesus’ prayer that we be one a reality?
The first step is to acknowledge the harm
that all Christians, including Catholics, have caused and ask for forgiveness,
first from God and then from other Christians when appropriate. Many times when
we share about our faith others will bring up the usual litany of wrongs
committed by the Church over the centuries. Even though they often
misunderstand or exaggerate the harm that was caused, we should not become
defensive. Rather we should simply acknowledge that injustices were committed
and ask the person we are speaking to for forgiveness. Such an attitude will go
a long way toward healing the divisions among us.
The next step would be to be careful about
the way we talk about people who do not share our faith. It goes without saying
that any slurs against them are absolutely inappropriate and sinful. Even
though they may differ from us in their understanding of Scripture or the way
they celebrate their faith, we should always speak respectfully of their
traditions. When we are called upon to defend our Catholic faith, we should never
speak down to others as if we have all the answers. We should always avoid
coming off as aggressive, arrogant or offensive. Remember it is often unlikely
that we will convert anyone solely by our intellectual arguments in favor of
our faith. However, we can change attitudes, create friendships and also learn
from one another. Even if we continue to have different beliefs and
practices, we can achieve closer unity
through friendship and mutual respect.
Another step we can take is to follow
Jesus’ example and pray. Ultimately, Christian unity is the work of the Holy
Spirit. It is He who opens minds to the truth of the gospel message. It is He
who inspires our hearts with a desire for communion not only with God but with
one another. It is He who breaks down the walls of division and discord between
people. Prayer makes a difference. We may not always see the results but our
faith assures us that all things are possible for those who believe.
The final and perhaps most important step
is for each of us to look within ourselves and resolve to live the gospel of
love. The more each of us is like Christ in our attitudes and behaviors the
closer we will become to one another. It is love that creates unity and peace.
If we are more loving, then there will be more unity and peace in the world and
among Christians. This is where the Sacrament of Confession can really help us.
By working to root out sin in our lives through the power of God’s grace, we
become more effective instruments of His peace.
We constantly look to Jesus to answer our
prayers. This is one way in which we can return the favor and answer His prayer
by working for unity not only among Christians but among all people of good
will. The task can seem insurmountable. However, each one of us through the
power of the Holy Spirit can make a difference by seeking forgiveness when it
is appropriate, speaking respectfully of one another, praying for unity and
changing our hearts to make them more like Jesus.
We call the sacrament we are about to
receive “Holy Communion” because it unites us not only to God but to one
another. Like all sacraments, it actually achieves what it signifies. It
creates unity among us. As we receive, let us ask God to open our hearts to the
action of His Spirit so that we can become instruments of His peace in this
world until we reach the fullness of union with Him and one another in the
Kingdom of Heaven.
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