That They May Be One

As I write this before Pentecost, I am struck (as I often am) by the 17th Chapter of St. John’s Gospel in which Jesus makes His high priestly prayer. The prayer of our Lord is focused upon the unity of His apostles as Jesus and His Father are united in a communion of love. “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me.” (John 17:20-23) The unity of the apostles, indeed the unity of the entire Body of Christ is central to the Church’s evangelizing mission.

Jesus desired for union within the Church and for the body of believers to be united with Him and His Father. We must strive for this as disciples of the Lord, and it is no easy thing. Because each of us has done damage to the unity of the Church. Which means that each of us must learn to “forgive those who trespass against us.” (Matthew 6:12) “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matthew 7:2) This is key to unity within the Church and for peace within our souls individually. If we constantly want to call to mind the hurt we experienced in the past despite the attempts of another to reform and grow beyond past behaviors. Now obviously there needs to be justice as well but we must never forget the Lord’s call to forgive our brothers and sisters from the heart.

So, if you want to see greater unity in the Church work on forgiving those most in need of your mercy and also ask for mercy from the Lord in the confessional along with asking for mercy from those who have hurt you. Then we can journey together as the Church Militant towards our heavenly homeland.

As we begin Summer, please remember that in your travels and “busy” recreation to make getting to Sunday Mass (or Saturday vigil Mass) a priority. The Lord has given the beauty and freedom of this time of year along with the wonderful people we have in our lives. The least we can do is give Him the praise He is due by fulfilling our Sunday obligation.

Thank you to Fr. John Tonkin and Fr. Alex Biryomumeisho for giving their generous “yes” to serving the wonderful people of St. Joseph, Pillar of Families. Fr. John brings a wonderful personality and fruitful experiences to our parishes and Fr. Alex is a man of prayer, who has been quick to offer thanks. Thanks be to God for their arrival as Fr. Aaron and I prepare to depart at the end of the month.

Peace in Christ,
Fr. Jarred Kohn