After celebrating one of the most pivotal moments in Christian history, the Pentecost experience, we have to marvel as to how the Spirit continues to move all Christians to greater unity, while celebrating our diversity.
In May, Pope Francis, now sitting in a wheelchair, met with members of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Dialogue Commission (ARCIC) at the Vatican. Pope Francis recalled to the group their founding as a Commission in 1967 by Pope Paul VI and Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey. He reminded the group that their work over the years has sought “to leave behind what compromises our communion and to nurture the bonds that unite Catholics and Anglicans.”
Two of the main themes of Pope Francis’ papacy have been the notion of “journeying together” and “the synodal process.” He wove these two themes into his remarks to the Commission. As he reflected on the word “journey,” he noted that the title of ARCIC’s latest document, “Walking Together on the Way,” plugs in well with “journey” as it means, he said, “moving forward, leaving behind the things that divide, past and present, and keeping our gaze fixed on Jesus and the goal that he desires and points out to us: the goal of visible unity between us.”
Pope Francis said that the ecumenical dialogue is a “journey” in and of itself, “that involves getting to know one another personally, sharing aspirations and moments of fatigue and soiling our hands in shared service to our wounded brothers and sisters discarded on the waysides of our world.” He added, “Yours has been a journey, at times fast, at times slow and difficult. Yet, I would emphasize that it has been, and continues to be, a journey!” Regarding the “synodal process,” Pope Francis reminded those present that the Catholic Church has begun this process, and he invited the Anglican Communion across the globe to join in this worldwide discussion. He said, “We look upon you as valued traveling companions.”
The July visit to South Sudan was brought up by the Pope, as he asked for prayers for its success. It is a trip that he will be making accompanied by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and Iain Greenshields, the Moderator of the Church of Scotland. He said that these “two dear brothers will be traveling companions when, in a few weeks’ time, we will at last be able to travel to South Sudan. The visit was postponed on account of the troubles in that country. My brother Justin is sending his wife ahead of us for works of preparation and charity. This is the fine work he is doing with his wife, as a couple, and I thank her very much. Ours will be an ecumenical pilgrimage of peace.”
Pope Francis also reflected with the group on another important word in the field of ecumenism, “gift.” He explained that “if journey speaks of ways and means, gift reveals the very soul of ecumenism. Every search for deeper communion must be an exchange of gifts, where each makes his or her own the seeds that God has sown in the other.” He added that ecumenists must examine the process of dialogue “lest an exchange of gifts not be reduced to a kind of formal or ceremonial gesture. What is the right way? To speak honestly to one another both about ecclesiological and ethical questions, to discuss uncomfortable topics, is risky; it could increase distances rather than promoting encounter.”
And as we reflect on Pentecost, Pope Francis’ words to the Commission should resonate with the whole Christian world, “The gifts of the Holy Spirit are never given for the exclusive use of those who receive them. They are blessings meant for all God’s people: the graces we receive are intended for others, not our private use, and the graces others receive are necessary for us. In the exchange of gifts, then, we learn that we cannot be self-sufficient without the graces granted to others. May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire your work, and may each of us personally experience the joy and comfort of his grace. I thank you for all that you are doing, and I ask you, please, to pray for me, I need it.”
Father Joseph D. Wallace is diocesan director of Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs and pastor of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Atco.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
