One time at seminary, we had a speaker talking to us on ecumenism, a fancy word on how we strive to work together with people of other faiths. She told the story of growing up how the Catholic kids would always cross the street on the way to school because on their path they walked in front of a Lutheran church. (Even though they were all friends outside of the church).

Now I think most people can look back on things like that and say, “that’s a bit much,” but we’re all aware of disunity; certainly, in the history of Christianity, but also even within our Church as well. As we all know though this isn’t how things are supposed to be. What we need is a balance; to live together and understand God loves us all, and that within other faiths are many ways we see God at work, while at the same time remembering Jesus founded one Church, not many, and not fearing articulating our faith.

The Second Vatican Council looked at this among many other things, writing an entire document on Christian Unity. We have always believed that the Church is and should be one. Pope John Paul II would echo this need for unity, when he said: “To believe in Christ means to desire unity; to desire unity means to desire the Church; to desire the Church means to desire the communion of grace which corresponds to the Father’s plan from all eternity.”

This week in our readings, the theme of unity runs strong. In the Gospel, Jesus appears to come across as rather cold when a Canaanite woman comes and asks for help for her daughter, being told that He had only come for the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and that it’s not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” Jesus is certainly not going to turn her away, but he wants her to make a step forward in her faith, which she does, saying that even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table. And in the Second Reading, Paul identifies himself as “the apostle to the Gentiles.”

As we all know though there is so much division everywhere; within Christianity itself; even in our Church and parishes; certainly, in our world and our country. Keeping balance is important.

For one, we should look at what we share in common. The Vatican II Document “Lumen Gentium” (Light to the Nations) which is the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church speaks of the “communion of grace” which unites us. It also speaks of the “many elements of sanctification and of truth which are found outside the visible confines” of the Catholic Church. These include belief in the Trinity and in Jesus Christ as the Incarnate Word of God, and of belief in the sacrament of baptism and virtues of faith, hope and love. With these common things, we can work together with people who may be of a different Christian faith and find some common ground when speaking of social issues. When we look at what we share, it allows us to work together and serves as a springboard for deeper discussion.

The work toward unity though also has as its aim to help others come to understand the significance of the Catholic Church. While we share much in common with those of other faiths, there are some things that are stumbling blocks still, and that will never change. These are the dogmas of our faith. The bottom line is that these things are impossible to change. Among these are the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and our belief in Apostolic Succession and the authority of the Pope and Bishops. I think this is where we have the balance between not reaching out to others at all, as opposed to watering down everything we believe so it becomes relative. Catechesis is so important, and we are losing a number of people to other faiths and apathy. What we need to do is to start with what we share in common, but also then not be afraid to talk about what it is that makes our Church unique. Of how it was founded by our Lord, and how it was tragic consequences of history that led to separation. We can also talk about why we believe what we believe by learning our faith, and not being afraid to discuss it with others, whether it’s someone in our family who may be not going to Mass or going to another denomination, or someone who is a friend from another faith. The Holy Spirit is powerful – but remember it’s the Holy Spirit who came upon the apostles and then they were sent to evangelize. That same Spirit was given to you at your confirmation. Our faith is not meant to be bottled up or only talked about within the confines of our church doors.

Like Saint Paul, let us not fear being an evangelist for our faith, striving daily for the unity Christ intended.

God bless,

Fr. Paul

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August 16, 2026