Christian Unity

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Click Here for Readings)

1st Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

I urge you, Brothers and sisters, 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.....Is Christ divided?  Was Paul crucified for you?  Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?  For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of is meaning.

Christians churches around the world just completed the 2014 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity January 18th-25th.  My own parish sponsored an ecumenical prayer event last Thursday night.  As a convert, I'm very open to the idea of working together with other Christian faiths.  I know of a few cradle Catholics who would never dare set foot in a Protestant Church.  I know Evangelistic Christians who would never attend a Catholic Mass or rosary.  The great divide that we see between Catholics and other Christian divisions has always concerned me.  I always wished we could dialog more, focusing on our commonalities.  We all believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, he died for our sins and resurrected from dead.  We  believe in many of the same social issues such as care for the needy, preserving the life of the unborn child, and praying for others.  Yes, theologically speaking we are very different.  However, despite our differences, Saint Paul suggests we should be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. What does this mean?

Of the same mind - As Christians, no matter what "type" of Christian, we should think and act in ways that are "Christ-like."  We must love one another and pray for one another.  We must keep faith at the center of all we do, hope for good things in our lives and the lives of others, and show charity toward those in need.  A "like mind" can do beautiful things making the world a better place!

In the same purpose -  As Christians, we should unite together for a common purpose.  Most threatening is the persecution many of our brothers and sisters endure in countries where religious freedom is seriously threatened.  Not only must we fervently pray, but we should take action to help free Christians from violence.  It's so important as Christians to set aside our theological divides and work together.  We certainly cannot squabble and debate among ourselves when the lives of the innocent are at stake.

Christian unity is something we should add to our prayer intentions.  Let us remember that when we unite for a common purpose, we all reap the benefits!

-J.