In his catechesis at the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis reminds Christians that unity is achieved only by the grace of God, and not by our own willpower.
By Devin Watkins
As Christians around the world observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Francis reflects on Jesus’ invitation to overcome discord and sow reconciliation.
In the catechism section of his weekly general audience, the pope reminded everyone that Jesus did not command his disciples to be united, but rather prayed.
This, the pope said, ‘means that we are not capable of achieving unity with our own power. Unity is above all a gift, a grace that can be asked for through prayer. ‘
Internal conflict
As the apostle Paul noted, each of us experiences a painful conflict within ourselves in which we desire the good, but we tend toward the evil one.
Our internal conflict, Pope Francis said, is a reminder that the real solution comes “by asking God for peace, reconciliation and unity.”
He said that Jesus prayed for his own, “that they might all be one” (John 17:21).
“Our prayer for unity,” he added, “is therefore a humble but trusting participation in the Lord’s prayer.”
External hardship
Pope Francis then asked us all to reflect on how often we pray for Christian unity.
“During this time of severe suffering, this prayer is even more necessary so that unity can prevail over conflict.”
He said that Christians should follow the path of visible unity, because the world will only believe in Christ if we testify of the love that unites us.
Fight for unity
“To pray means to fight for unity,” the pope said. It means fighting the discord and division that the devil wants to sow by magnifying the shortcomings and faults of others in our eyes.
However, God offers another way. “He takes us as we are, unlike sinners, and pushes us to unity.”
So Pope Francis invited everyone to sow unity in our homes and workplaces with the tools God has given us: “prayer and love.”
In Christ’s love
Finally, Pope Francis reflects on the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: “Abide in my love and you will bear much fruit.”
“The root of fellowship and love is Christ who lets us overcome prejudices to see in others a brother or sister who must always be loved,” he said.
By seeking unity, we discover that Christians of other confessions are gifts from God.
“Let us begin to pray for them and, if possible, with them,” concluded Pope Francis. “So we will learn to love and appreciate them.”