Wednesday of the
Seventh Week of Easter
(Acts 20:28-38; John 17:11-19)
Latin America has become
pluralistic with regard to religion. In
most cities Protestant churches dot neighborhoods like grocery stores, and missionaries
pace the streets inviting people to taste their spiritual food. There is little concern for ecumenism. Priests see the missionaries as bandits raiding
their flocks as Paul warns of in today’s first reading. Meanwhile, Protestant pastors criticize
Catholic priests as betrayers of the Bible.
The situation defies Jesus’ prayer for unity at the heart of his
“Priestly Prayer” in today’s gospel.
Jesus asks his Father to make all those who believe in him
one in faith and love. He has in mind all
the churches that his disciples will establish.
When John wrote his version of the gospel, at least fifty years after
Jesus’ resurrection, separation among the churches had already taken
place. Indeed, the fracture underlies
the First Letter of John. The evangelist here pictures Jesus praying
that the churches will reunite in that close unity that characterizes his
relationship with the Father.
We must keep alive that vision today. The challenge is daunting as some Protestant
communities seem to adjust their moral code to current social fashion and some
Orthodox communities maintain a profound distrust of Western Christianity. Nevertheless, there are moments of
possibilities which, like seeds in the desert, may find enough sustenance to
grow. Twenty years ago Saint John Paul
II issued his encyclical That They May Be
One offering a heartfelt willingness to make accommodations for the sake of
unity. More recently, Pope Francis has
extended an open hand to evangelicals and Orthodox. We can support progress toward this goal by
cooperating with other branches of Christianity on charitable projects, by
participating in prayer services, and by not harping at other religious traditions.
