Day 12 Reflection –

The Holy Spirit and the Ecumenical Movement

Catechism cf. #821 – To respond adequately to the challenge of Ecumenism, certain things are required:
- a continuous renewal of the Church to be faithful; it is a call to greater fidelity;
- conversion of heart as we try to live holier lives according to the Gospel; for it is our unfaithfulness to Christ’s gifts which causes divisions;
- prayer in common, because ‘change of heart’ and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement – this merits the name ‘spiritual ecumenism’;
- fraternal knowledge of each other;
- ecumenical formation of the faithful and especially of the clergy;
- dialogue among theologians, and meetings among Christians of the different churches and communities;
- collaboration among Christians in various areas of service to mankind.

The introduction of Vatican II’s Decree on Ecumenism observes that “everywhere large numbers have felt the impulse…. fostered by the grace of the Holy Spirit, for the restoration of unity among all Christians. Taking part in this movement which is called ecumenical, are those who invoke the Triune God and confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.”

Martin Luther King (1929-68) exemplifies how the power of the Holy Spirit can work to foster ecumenism. A Baptist minister in Alabama, his leadership of a black boycott of public transport resulted in a degeneration order enabling blacks to sit with whites in public vehicles. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his maintenance of non-violence in his political work. In a sermon, shortly before his death by assassination, Martin Luther King quoted a poem by Alma Androzzo

“If I can help somebody as I pass along
If I can cheer somebody with word or a song,
If I can show somebody he is travelling wrong,
Then my living shall not be in vain.”

Ecumenism is like nurturing a garden in our hearts. It does not depend much on climate or soil, but on loving care and cultivation. We keep in our hearts the names of those whom we meet, their admirable qualities and the virtues which inspire our edification.

An elderly couple had an unusual garden. They asked each of their friends at some time or other to bring some kind of plant or flower or shrub and plant it in their garden. On birthdays and anniversaries they preferred such living things to other kinds of gifts. They had several different kinds of rose bushes, a number of fruit trees, a great variety of flowers, and even a few vines. The old couple watered and tended the living gifts with loving care. It was what they called their friendship garden.

Ecumenism is nurtured by charity. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, ‘Be kind and merciful.’ Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your greeting. She points out that there are so many who need this kindness: the poor, the lonely, the neglected, the unwanted people for whom nobody has time.

Scripture (John 17:21) - I pray that they may all be one, Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.

Prayer:
O Holy Spirit, thank You for inspiring and gathering all nations into a commonwealth of justice, peace and brotherhood. Thank You for the United Nations Organization with its noble aim to avoid war; with its service in production of food; its promotion of education and health; and its care of refugees and children. Guide all the nations and their leaders into deeper unity, greater efforts for peace, more generous contributions to human welfare – guide us Lord that we may live free from fear and free from want. Help us to build the universe of Your love. Amen.