January 18-25, 1984 The Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, celebrated this year from Wednesday January 18 to Wednesday January 25, reflects the prayer of Jesus Christ "That all might be one" (Jo. 17/21) and that "There might be one flock and one shepherd." (Jo. 10/16) It is the desire of Christ that the whole human family should worship and serve the Father together as one family in the truth, righteousness, peace and love. In a particular way, it is appropriate that all those who call themselves christians, all those who profess Christ's commandment of love, should live as one family. A divided witness to Christ is an imperfect witness. Through unity among christians a more authentic and more effective witness could be given to the Lordship of Jesus and a more generous service to humankind could be offered in His name. During the Week of Prayer, all Christians are encouraged to pray for unity and encouraged to share in prayer services on an ecumenical basis. It must be recognized that we are praying for something that lies in the future and is not already here. Ecumenism does not mean that unity has already been achieved, that there are not serious differences among Christian believers with regard to doctrine, interpretation of Scripture, and moral law and practice. With regard to Ecumenism Pope Paul VI stated "there are three principles which St. Paul outlines to guide discernment according to the injunction "Test everything - Hold fast to what is good." (1 Thess. 5/21) The first of these principles is fidelity to the authentic doctrines of the faith. Whatever contradicts this doctrine does not come from the Spirit. The second principle is to value the higher gifts, gifts which are given in service of the common good. The third principle is the pursuit of charity which alone brings the Christian to perfection." In the long journey towards unity we are encouraged by the fact that the various churches at the highest level are engaged in dialogue and calling upon their finest scholars to find common grounds and avenues to unity. We are encouraged by the existence of ecumenical offices and representatives among the various judicatories. We are encouraged by the deepened desire on the popular level among Christians for unity, for many shared prayer services, and for shared efforts to serve the poor or achieve peace. We are inspired by the example of Pope John Paul II who, while holding very firmly to the principles of Catholic Faith and clearly recognizing the obstacles to be overcome, has yet shown himself so ready to visit with heads of other churches, shown himself so cordial, so ready to cooperate and seek cooperation. During the Week of Prayer we do not wish to pretend that a great deal has already been achieved and that one church is no different from another. We do not wish to "convert" or proselytize our Christian neighbors. Rather we wish to show openness and love, to mitigate suspicion or hostility, to pray that the work of scholars and the official dialogues may be more and more fruitful. We wish to show respect and care for those Christians who differ from us in doctrine or practice. The celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ in the Eucharistic Liturgy is the source and apex of our life in Christ. The reception of Christ during the Eucharistic Liturgy is the fullest expression of our faith. This reception is called communion because as Christ gives Himself to us so we give ourselves to Him in the fullness of faith. Until the day comes when all Christians share fully the same belief in Christ the Teacher, inter-communion is not possible. Inter-communion would represent a reality which does not yet exist - namely, fully shared belief. During the Week of Prayer for Unity we pray that the time will come when there will be one Bread for all Christians united in one faith. During this week we wish to gather in prayer before the Lord Jesus acknowledging that the weakness and sinfulness which has separated us is shared by all, and begging Him to send upon us His Spirit of Wisdom and Love to guide us into the paths of peace and unity. "All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord." (Ps. 22/28) Edward A. McCarthy Thomas J. Grady Rene H. Gracida W. Thomas Larkin John J. Snyder John J. Nevins Agustin A. Roman J. Keith Symons |