I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. (John 17:20-21)
I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by Chloe's people, that there are rivalries among you. I mean that each of you is saying, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:10-11)
The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
We have just completed the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" (January 18-25). It is easy to think of Christian unity as something we pray for once a year, rather than something at the heart of the Gospel message and Jesus prayer for his Church. In John 17:20-21, Jesus prays that we "may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me." From this prayer, it is important to remember that Jesus himself is the prime principle of unity. He is our one hope for healing a divided church. When he walked the earth, people flocked to him from all over (Matthew 4:24-25). And today, wherever he is loved and adored, people are drawn to put aside differences and gather around him. Only Jesus could possibly overcome the centuries of divisions that have plagued the body of Christ!
Together with all Christians, we all want to follow and glorify Jesus. We all want to know the touch of the one who came into this world so that we could be reconciled with God and begin to experience eternal life, right now. We should continue to pray as one vast crowd that all national, racial, and religious differences will fade as we seek the love and life that Jesus wants to pour out on us.
Just as it's true that Jesus came to heal each of us individually and to restore each of us individually to his Father, it is also true that he has done the same thing for the entire body of Christ. Together we form one body, and God wants it whole. He wants to heal our collective wounds and fortify our combined weaknesses. He wants to see us working together to bring others to Jesus. He wants us to work together so that we can bring his kingdom to this earth.
As Christians, we may disagree on many things, but we all know that Jesus does not want his people divided. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul tells them: "all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose." Each of us must cooperate with the Lord in bringing about Christian unity. Just as Paul pleaded with the Corinthians to overcome their divisions and judgmental attitudes, the Holy Spirit pleads with us to put aside all the sins that lead to division: prejudice, fear, pride, and self-sufficiency.
The Pharisees criticized Jesus because his followers weren't following their rules. In the Old Testament, Samuel couldn't believe David was chosen by God because he was too young. These types of judgmental or divisive thoughts have just as much potential to bring disunity as weeds have to take over a garden.
What kind of thoughts do you have when you look at members of other churches? Do you find yourself quick to condemn or open and generous? If you find yourself on the condemning side, take hold of these thoughts and bring them to the cross of Christ-even if they are only deep-down thoughts that you never give voice to. Each one of us can become an agent of healing and reconciliation to the degree to which we deal with any negative attitudes that lurk in our hearts.
On our own, maybe we can't figure out exactly what kind of healing his body needs, but that shouldn't stop us. Faced with profound theological, and practical differences among Christians, we can easily become discouraged. How can we make a difference? But let's listen for the Lord's direction. Could we share intercessory prayer with a neighbor from another denomination? Could a friend explain how his church came to adopt a practice we find mystifying? Could we offer a word of encouragement when we see Jesus through another individual, whatever his background? All of these small steps are possible.
Brothers, Christian unity need not remain a lofty goal that we can't really influence. By taking our own thoughts captive and actively sowing seeds of generosity and forgiveness, all of us can be personally involved in healing the body of Christ. We may not have a direct effect on the leaders of the world's Christian religions, but we will affect the world around us, making it ripe for reconciliation and ready for ecumenism.
So bring your negative thoughts about other denominations or churches to the cross, and then watch to see how much more peaceful you are inside. You'll find yourself looking at people through God's eyes, and that will make you more able to bring his loving presence into the world. Jesus wants us to come together so that our light can shine all the brighter. The only way we can come together is as we come closer to Jesus and let his light banish our inner darkness.
Let's continue to pray for Christian unity throughout the year. Let's implore the Lord to make us one body. Let's pray earnestly for peace and reconciliation among Christians of all cultures, races, and denominations. Let's seek it with all our heart, and open ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As you do, you'll find yourself drawn closer to his people-until the day comes when there really is one church gathered around one altar singing the praises of the one true God. God is faithful, and nothing is impossible for him!
"Father in heaven, Father of all, use me to bring reconciliation in the church today! Let me be an agent of healing, to bring unity to your divided people! Father, you created us to be one-one with you and one with each other. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, and use me, starting today, to heal and unite your broken body. Lord Jesus, break down the walls of division among your people. Let all Christians be united in one Spirit in the bond of peace and love. Jesus, I stretch out my hand to you. Share with me what is on your heart and mind, and show me what I can do today to help build your kingdom on earth.
Many thanks to The Word Among Us for allowing us to adapt material from daily meditations in their monthly devotional magazine. Used with permission.
Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men
- 1. Take a few minutes to reflect on the Scriptures at the beginning of the article. What do they reveal to you about the heart of God regarding unity?
- 2. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-11, St. Paul urged that Christian brothers be united and have no divisions. How can you build greater unity in your parish, in your family, and with other Christians?
- 3. Today's meditation reminds us that "Jesus himself is the prime principle of unity." It goes on to say that all Christians will grow closer to one another as they grow closer to Jesus. Are you willing to spend more time trying to get closer to Jesus? How will you do that?
- 4. What steps can you take individually, and together, to promote Christian unity with non-Catholic Christians?
- 5. If you are in a men's group, use the prayer at the end of the article as the starting point to pray for Christian unity, and to pray for one another that you would be instruments of unity in the Body of Christ.
