How to Become United

11-26-2017Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

Some weeks ago, around the date of 31 October, I wrote about an event in Eau Claire to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. The joint prayer service among Catholics and Lutherans was a local event to come together in prayer and concentrate on matters of unity. The prayer service was held in a Catholic church, the social was hosted in a Lutheran church across the street. I also understand that, on the same date, Catholic and Lutheran bishops from our state were gathered together for a similar prayer service. Further, the prayer service was also used by members of the Vatican and the Lutheran World Federation on the same date. I can say, with some confidence, these three, and perhaps other similar prayer services, all used the same prayer service which was assembled by the Lutheran World Federation and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

As far as some of the facts and figures go, the prayer service in Eau Claire, which was held on a Sunday afternoon, was well attended. I'm told that over 900 people attended the event and over 400 of those people remained for the social. I'm also told that no one complained about the prayer service which lasted well over an hour. I also heard that a collection was taken to offset some of the expenses, over $4000 was collected.

Several global statements were issued around the date of 31 October to commemorate the event. The Lutheran World Federation in conjunction with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity had this to say: "We recognize that while the past cannot be changed, its influence upon us today can be transformed to become a stimulus for growing communion, and a sign of hope for the world to overcome division and fragmentation…. We commit ourselves towards the greater unity according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ." The same statement also reflects that the World Methodist Council joined the group in 2006 and the Anglican Communion joined the group on 31 October 2017. The joint effort between Lutherans and Catholics began 50 years ago. Another statement originated from the Lutheran Church of Australia together with the Australian Bishops Commission for Ecumenism and Inter-religious Relations. The Church in Australia has this to say: "we discover a simple desire on both sides, namely that people come to know the justice and mercy of God and experience them in their lives."

So what about these Lutheran Catholic conversations? Seems to me that the 500 commemoration of the Reformation has the Christian church's attention in a global way. Within that attention is the centering concept of unity. I mention that central concept because we experience a significant amount of disunity in our regular existence. We have conflict within our families; there is infighting with factions in our parish and local schools. There is other tension in our community around politics or personal status. And that's only in Buffalo County. We are well aware that a lot more disunity is reflected in our nation and world. Seems to me also, that in west-central Wisconsin over 900 people united for a day of prayer. Within that example are the statements from Christian church leaders to become united on the matters which are possible. As believers, we continue to aim for that unity.

Many of us just experienced the beginning of significant family gatherings during this time of year. For many of us, that unity feels so good, even when some conflicts arise. The unity we experience in our families is the unity we are called to reflect in our communities. We also quickly realize that unity is based upon love for one another.

Whether the unity is in our families, communities or world, we take direction from major world Christian church leaders and hear, not to what, but to whom they refer. Jesus Christ is the person who runs through all that we do. Jesus is the one whom we are invited to keep at the center of our lives. Jesus is the one who pours out His justice and mercy. Jesus is the one who can strengthen us to overcome division and fragmentation. As we place Him in the center of our lives, He will bring to us personally and collectively the peace and unity we are called to know from the moment we were baptized.