A Brief Course in Breathing with Two Lungs

In honor of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Here is an article from Wikipedia summarizing the teachings of Ut Unum Sint (Latin: 'may they be one'), an encyclical by Pope John Paul II of May 25, 1995.

Following the prayer of Jesus in the Gospel according to John (17:21-22), it dealt with the relations with the Orthodox Church and other Christian churches. This document reiterated that unity of the two sui juris churches is essential, as well as further dialogue and unity with the Protestant churches.

This document shows that the Roman Catholic Church is officially moved to unity. It has become a common piece of study in ecumenical classes.In paragraph 54, we find the oft-quoted sentence: "In this perspective an expression which I have frequently employed finds its deepest meaning: the Church must breathe with her two lungs!"

In paragraph 79, we see five subjects that are considered important for "more clear" understanding that will bring unity:

1. The relationship between Sacred Scripture, as the highest authority in matters of faith, and Sacred Tradition, as indispensable to the interpretation of the Word of God;

2. The Eucharist, as the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, an offering of praise to the Father, the sacrificial memorial and Real Presence of Christ and the sanctifying outpouring of the Holy Spirit;

3. Ordination, as a Sacrament, to the threefold ministry of the episcopate, presbyterate and diaconate;

4. The Magisterium of the Church, entrusted to the Pope and the Bishops in communion with him, understood as a responsibility and an authority exercised in the name of Christ for teaching and safeguarding the faith;

5. The Virgin Mary, as Mother of God and Icon of the Church, the spiritual Mother who intercedes for Christ's disciples and for all humanity.

Now that wasn't THAT difficult, was it? Deep, but not difficult.

Where and How Unity Happens

Benedict XVI is urging the faithful to long for Christian unity, nourished by prayer and charitable collaboration. The Holy Father made this appeal today while addressing the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square following the Angelus.

Today's address falls within the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, being observed Jan. 18-25. The Pope made reference to the prayer week's theme from Mark 7:37, saying that Christ can do everything:

"He is able to infuse in Christians the ardent desire to listen to the other, to communicate with the other, and to speak with him the language of mutual love. "The Pontiff said ecumenism is "a profound dialogic experience, a mutual listening and speaking, knowing one another better. It is a task that all can undertake, especially in regard to spiritual ecumenism, based on prayer and on sharing what is possible for the time being among Christians.

" The Holy Father expressed the hope "that the longing for unity, translated into prayer and fraternal collaboration to relieve human sufferings, will spread ever more at the level of parishes and ecclesial movements and among religious institutes."

Fratres in unum

The Psalmist (Psalm 131) wrote "how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell in unity." My brother-friend Antony from whom I learned this art of blogging upbraided me for my comment in the opening lines of my last blog. As I noted there, I have not historically been very friendly toward either the French or the Jesuits.

The reasons for my antipathy needn't detain us here. Still, however one feels about one's fellow man, we still need to be open and non- prejudicial. Antony's laubable sensitivity about my remarks made me think more deeply about how I react to others. There is always the need for civility in discourse and behavior. Thank you, Antony.

Benedict XVI made a related observation about relationships within the Church during last week's General Audience. He commented on the make-up of the Twelve Apostles. In particular he marveled at the juxtaposition of Simon the Zealot next to Matthew the tax collector.

"Simon is called "Cananaean" and "Zealot." Both expressions stress his passionate attachment to his Jewish identity. That Simon could live in harmony with Matthew the tax collector in the same community, shows us how in the Church, through the grace of Christ, differences can be overcome."

I need to hear those words and heed them. So often especially in my work I deal with varieties of Catholic folk all across the spectrum, from Latin-loving traditionalists to left-ward leaning Dorothy Day birkenstock wearers. These encounters could becomes occasions for clashing agendas, harsh words, and conflict. Revealing my own predelictions (middle of the road to conservative Catholic) could only make matters worse. And I wouldn't be helping my brothers and sisters out either. So, instead I choose to focus on the matters at hand. How can we all fulfill the mission of the Church in a more excellent way through excellence in fiscal management? It's a lesson I relearn every time I visit a parish or have a serious conversation with a fellow Catholic. I think our Heavenly Father as well as our Holy Father Benedict XVI wants us to learn this lesson also.