From The Bishop

In the Second Reading for the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, St. Paul states, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose.” This call to unity is most fitting as we celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25). This year also marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation the beginning of significant divisions within Christendom. A divided Church is not the will of God for Jesus prayed that we all be one, “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”(John 17:20-21). From the words of Jesus we see that Christian unity is intimately connected with evangelization. The greater the visible sign of unity the more people will be drawn to Christ the Redeemer. The ecumenical movement works toward making this prayer of Jesus a reality. In the Gospel, Peter and Andrew, James and John, were called by Jesus to follow him. We too are followers of the Lord so we need to work at ending divisions, having “the same mind and purpose”. Unity then becomes the light in the darkness that Isaiah refers to in the First Reading. This Sunday I will be celebrating an Ecumenical Prayer Service in our Cathedral. The theme is “Reconciliation - The Love of Christ Compels Us.” If possible, please plan to attend and pray for unity among all Christians.