From the Pastor - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Many who read my humble offering this week, might recall a time in our not too distant past, when a “good” Catholic was not to darken the door of a Protestant church, be it for Sunday worship, a family wedding or even for a funeral. One could never contemplate receiving communion in “their” church, and a Protestant guest in a Catholic church would be directed away from receiving in “our” church, oftentimes with no attempt at subtlety. I have heard stories told about having to cross the street so that the Catholic would not be tempted to enter a non-Catholic church, however beautiful it may be. And if one were to contemplate a “mixed marriage”? Well, I suppose we could do it, but not before a great deal of grilling, promises made to raise the children Catholic, and only if the ceremony was done “outside of Mass” and in the rectory. So much for a warm and welcoming feeling to our brothers and sisters “across the aisle”.

This week, the Catholic Church has been in the annual “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”, from January 18-25th. This work began many years ago, shortly after the Second Vatican Council, and offers all “good Catholics” of today the opportunity to raise our voices in prayer, that all Christians will be united once more in both name and in fact. There is much dialogue among the Christian churches today, and great efforts have been made. But we still have a long way to go, and each day that we are at odds with our Christian brothers and sisters, is another day of scandal within the Body of Christ. Why then, can we not get together? Why are the divisions still there after all these years? Worse today, sometimes, than they ever were?

It would seem easy to just say we can come together on common ground, and let bygones be bygones. Such an approach is, however, both naive and does harm to much of what we hold to be Truth. Issues of the sacramental life of the Church will stand out as one primary sticking point for faith communities who place a huge emphasis on the people gathered as the main focus for Christ's presence. The Eucharist especially, truly the body and blood of Christ, and not mere symbol or remembrance as many Protestant churches teach, will continue to keep many from being called forward to receive. The role of Mary in salvation history, and in the redemptive power of Christ's death and resurrection, continues to make many a Protestant scoff at the honor we as Catholics believe she is due. Some may even continue to say that we worship too many things other than Christ, and He alone. Perhaps that is what some may see with casual observance, but the truth is much different. The authority of the Holy Father, and the centralized focus of administration in the Vatican, for many non-Catholic, and I dare say for some “good” Catholics too, takes away too much of the freedom enjoyed in worship as we please. Much may be misunderstanding over the years, and some may very well be teachings that have developed and been corrected through lived experience within, and outside of, the Church.

I believe it is always good to continue the conversation going, and strive to develop a spirit of openness to those who may disagree with us. Personally, this is very difficult at times, but in the long run, offers everyone the opportunity to test what we really know about each other as well as ourselves. The challenges of ecumenical dialogue keeps us fresh in what it is that we believe as Church, and challenges all involved to look for ways of understanding. Closed doors and multiple barriers to worshiping the same God will only bring heartache and distance. When we call upon the Spirit of that God to help us teach Truth to all, and listen to the promptings He will place before us, then can we be the true catholic and apostolic Church we profess with our Creed: Universal in our scope and outreach, and not afraid to seek Truth ourselves and bring it to bear on all we do, regardless of the cost. May our prayer for unity among all Christians continue beyond this week of designation, and the fruits of our efforts bring all to see just how much we can love one another.