That We May Be One

A lot is spoken of nowadays about how churches and faiths compare to one another. A pastor need ever be mindful that circumstances of people's lives change fluidly every day. How one encounters Jesus Christ is as many and varied as there are people within the world. This presents any pastor with a challenge to welcome and meet people where they are at and not where we feel they should be. This becomes a greater challenge in homes and communities in which there is a diveristy of faiths present.

Julien Hammond

A recent column from a former classmate of mine, Julien Hammond, Director of the Archdiocese of Edmonton office for Evangelization and Catechesis, speaks beautifully of the need to see ourselves as "one" before God. Seeing the efforts all put forward toward building up the Kingdom of God and not just our own personal "kingdoms" where some are chosen and others are still finding their way.

The "ordinariness" of every day catholic life gives us an opportunity to move beyond our shortcomings and seek unity with others.

Mr. Hammond's presentation is a worthwhile reminder that the need for unity and peace is the responsibility of each and every disciple of Christ and not just our leadership, priests and bishops.

An overview of Julien Hammond's presentation is offered here.