Week of Prayer For Christian Unity

This week is a special period in the Christian world to mark our common need for unity among churches of Christian faith.

It was with joy I celebrated mass this past weekend to initiate our parish of St.Ann in the community celebrations that mark this sacred time. The Eucharist, at its core, promotes unity and there is no better way to capture that than by remembering that the gift of the Mass is for all people and not just for a select few. The grace, accomplished through the celebration of the Eucharist, benefits "all"people.

It was with sadness, last year, that the words of the mass changed (during the elevation of the cup) to say"for many" as opposed to "for all." Clearly this reflects the feelings of a minority of bishops who continue to oppose the challenges the Council Father's discerned in Vatican II.

Nevertheless, the Eucharist unites us and this week, the many faith filled people of Flin Flon, and throughout the world,  are discovering that there is strength in binding ourselves together.

St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians this past Sunnday ( 1 Cor 12: 4-11) reminds us that there is "one Lord" and that each of us has a unique "gift" to be shared for the building up of God's Kingdom on earth.

I encourage you to pray for unity this week among Christians, churches and all believers. We have need of each other. Let us start acting like that.

Not a single church, in this world, has a monopoly on salvation. I, for one,will not foster an attitude of exclusivity. I believe Christ willed us to work together and I prefer to follow His lead.

Lord, unite us together. Help us to reflect Your Will; Your Love; Your Peace.