In Light of the Synod Proposals and
Considerations: Church Unity
This year’s THEME of the Christian Unity Octave is take from the Gospel of Saint Luke 10:27….
“You shall love the Lord your God…
And your neighbor as yourself from the Gospel of Luke 10:27
The THEME reflects the connection between love of God and love of neighbor with a particular concern for challenging the boundaries of who is considered “neighbor”. Jesus is questioned as to the path to eternal life. His answer is not to only observe the commandments, but to also imitate the love of God in giving of self for another. It is a call for charity, mercy, justice and unity.
Synod CHURCH Report
The Synthesis Report at the conclusion of the 16th General Assembly of the Church Synod on Synodality has been published. Looking ahead to the second session in October 2024, the text offers reflections and proposals and a commitment to LISTEN to all voices. As we enter the Church Octave Week January 18 - 25, let’s take a look at the Synod’s synthesis report regarding Unity, Christian Unity.
On the road to Christian unity
With regard to ecumenism, the Report speaks of a “spiritual renewal” that requires “processes of repentance and healing of the memory” (7c). It goes on to quote Pope Francis’ expression about an “ecumenism of the blood”; that is “Christians of different affiliations who give their lives for faith in Jesus Christ” (7d), and it mentions the proposal for an ecumenical martyrology. The Report also reiterates that “collaboration among all Christians” is a resource “for healing the culture of hatred, division and war that pits groups, peoples and nations against each other”. It does not forget the issue of so-called mixed marriages, which are realities in which “it is possible to evangelize each other”.
Eastern Churches
Remaining on the subject of migration, the Report looks to Eastern Europe and the recent conflicts that have caused the flow of numerous faithful from the Catholic East into territories with a Latin majority. It is necessary, the Assembly says, “for the local Latin-rite Churches, in the name of synodality, to help the Eastern faithful who have emigrated to preserve their identity and cultivate their specific heritage, without undergoing processes of assimilation is the request of the Fathers”.
Daily Focus of the Church Unity Octave
Day 1, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”Day 2, He answered...Day 3, “Who is my neighbor?”Day 4, When he saw him...Day 5, He went to him...Day 6, Then he put him on his own animal...Day 7, “Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor?”Day 8, "Go and do likewise."
“What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
A lawyer stood up to test Jesus.
“Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
(Lk 10:25)
This crucial question asked of Jesus by a lawyer challenges every believer in God. It affects the meaning of our life on earth and for eternity. Elsewhere in the Bible, Jesus gives us the ultimate definition of eternal life: “... that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (Jn 17:3).
Knowing God means discovering and doing his will in our lives. Every person wants a life of fullness and truth, and God desires this for us too Jn 10:10). Saint Irenaeus said, “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
The existential realities of life, with divisions, selfishness and suffering, often distance us from the quest for God.
Thus, our quest for eternal life brings us closer to Jesus, and in so doing brings us nearer to each other, strengthening our closeness on the path toward Christian unity.
Let us be open to friendship and collaboration with Christians of ALL churches, praying for the day when we can all stand together at the Table of the Lord.
Prayer
God of life, You have created us to have life, and life in all its fullness. May we recognize in our brothers and sisters their desire for eternal life. As we follow Jesus’ way with determination, may we lead others to you.
We pray in his name. Amen.
UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS
Follow the DAILY FOCUS of the Church Unity Octave
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