June 12, 2007

The Unity of the Church

The Church founded by Jesus Christ is characterized by four qualities known as the four marks of the Church. We profess in the Creed, "Credo in unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam - I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church." The Catechism of the Catholic Church has a beautiful explanation of these four qualities of Christ's Church (##811-870). The unity of the Church is an important aspect.

I do not intend to give a theological teaching regarding the unity of the Church (The Catechism does a marvelous job). Rather, I would like to write about the importance of unity. From the dawn of humanity until now, we see that sin shatters unity. After the original sin, our first parents experienced a triple alienation - within oneself, with each other and with God. Only in Jesus do we find a triple remedy for the wounded wake of sin.

Here is the important point: We all must work very hard to grow in the unity which results from our relationship with Jesus; it does not just happen. I think that forgiveness and repentance are the key ingredients in the recipe for unity. Is there anything that I need to humbly repent of? Some people refuse to admit they are wrong - a very dangerous attitude. Is there anyone I need to forgive? Remember that forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. Forgiveness does not mean saying that a wrong was not wrong.

Now for a word to those of us who are very orthodox and concerned for all that is true and right. God resists the proud, even when they are right! I have met some devout pro-life Catholics who are judgmental, close-minded and mean spirited. It may happen that those who disagree with the Catholic Church are driven further away by the bad example we sometimes give. Let us pray for the grace to be more fully united in mind and heart with the truth in charity. Why do I write this? Did you know that Jane Roe of Roe verses Wade became a devout pro-life Catholic? Won by Love is the title of her autobiography.

Pray, pray, pray,

Fr. Luke Fletcher, CFR

St. Joseph Friary, New York, NY

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