This reflection by Father Joseba Kamiruaga Mieza CMF, reminds us that the pursuit of unity is both a gift and a task. It is a journey that requires courage, humility, and unwavering faith in the God who unites all things in Christ. As we walk this path, may we be inspired by the prayer of Jesus and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, who makes all things new
“The same words of Jesus always resonate, not only as a reminder of the prayerful desire expressed one evening by the young Master of Nazareth but as an evangelical imperative, both at the personal and community level.”
This powerful message underscores the heart of Christian unity—a call not merely for harmony but for an active, transformative journey toward oneness. It is a call to be united with one another, with the Son, and ultimately with the Father. This unity, animated by the Holy Spirit, is not optional but an essential part of discipleship, demanding a profound commitment from each believer.
Centrality of the Risen Christ
The path to unity begins with a rediscovery of the centrality of the Risen Christ in our lives. This journey is deeply personal yet inherently communal, weaving together the diverse experiences of individuals into a tapestry of fraternity. It calls for a generative and fruitful approach, marked by beauty and meaning in the Holy Spirit.
Respect for diversity lies at the core of this unity. Each person and community brings unique gifts, enriching the whole. Unity does not erase diversity but embraces it, transforming it into a shared journey. Jesus’ prayer for his disciples—”that they may be one”—is not a mere aspiration. It is an invitation to live in the image of the divine relationship between the Father and the Son.
It is a call to be united with one another, with the Son, and ultimately with the Father. This unity, animated by the Holy Spirit, is not optional but an essential part of discipleship, demanding a profound commitment from each believer
Evangelical imperative of unity
Jesus’ words reverberate throughout the Church’s history and its present reality. They are a gospel imperative, urging every believer to strive for unity at both personal and communal levels. This command is not confined to lofty theological ideals but is meant to permeate the daily lives of disciples, small faith groups, parish communities, and the universal Church.
To “be one” is to reflect the unity of the Trinity, to embody the love and reconciliation that Christ exemplified. This unity demands active effort, conscious choices, and a daily renewal of commitment to mutual belonging and shared purpose.
Ecumenism: path to reconciliation
Among Christians, unity is not a distant hope but an expression of God’s will. It requires embracing the diversity within the body of Christ and transforming historical wounds into opportunities for healing and reconciliation. The journey of ecumenism, while fraught with challenges, is a testimony to the shared faith in the Risen Jesus.
Reconciliation among Christian confessions begins with the recognition of differences and the willingness to grow together. It involves weaving threads of unity, not by erasing individuality but by embracing a fraternal style of living that reflects the Gospel’s call to love and communion.
Jesus’ words reverberate throughout the Church’s history and its present reality. They are a gospel imperative, urging every believer to strive for unity at both personal and communal levels.
Unity and diversity: a balancing act
The interplay between unity and diversity is a delicate balance. True unity does not diminish diversity but celebrates it, creating a harmony where differences are valued and integrated. The phrase “united in diversity, different in unity” captures this dynamic, emphasising the mutual enrichment that occurs when unity and diversity coexist in a spirit of respect and love.
The ultimate goal of this journey is the fatherhood of God—a shared destination that unites all believers. It is a reminder that our starting point and endpoint are rooted in God, who is the source and fulfilment of all life.
Way, Truth, and Life
Jesus, as the “way, truth, and life,” is the guiding light on this path of unity. His life and teachings serve as the model for reconciliation and communion. Through him, the Church experiences the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, which not only fosters encounters among diverse ecclesial traditions but also rekindles the desire for unity within each heart.
This divine dynamics—the transformative power of the Holy Spirit—makes possible the healing of past fractures and the creation of new bonds of unity. It is a dynamic process requiring openness, freedom of heart, and a willingness to journey together.
The ultimate goal of this journey is the fatherhood of God—a shared destination that unites all believers. It is a reminder that our starting point and endpoint are rooted in God, who is the source and fulfilment of all life
A Call to action
In this time of renewal, the call to unity is as urgent as ever. It challenges us to look beyond divisions and to work tirelessly for the unification of the Church. This unity is not a static state but a living process rooted in the gospel and animated by the Spirit.
As disciples and apostles of Christ, we are called to embody this unity in our relationships, our communities, and our world. It is a call to be witnesses of the reconciling power of Christ, to live out the gospel imperative of love, and to journey together as one body in Christ.
