Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 131 - Part II.

YOUCAT Question n. 131 - Part II. What must we do for the unity of Christians?

(Youcat answer - repeated) In word and deed we must obey Christ, who expressly wills “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21).            

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 821) Certain things are required in order to respond adequately to this call: - a permanent renewal of the Church in greater fidelity to her vocation; such renewal is the driving-force of the movement toward unity (Cf. UR 6); - conversion of heart as the faithful "try to live holier lives according to the Gospel" (UR 7 § 3); for it is the unfaithfulness of the members to Christ's gift which causes divisions; - prayer in common, because "change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement, and merits the name 'spiritual ecumenism"'  (UR 8 § 1); -fraternal knowledge of each other (Cf. UR 9); - ecumenical formation of the faithful and especially of priests (Cf. UR 10); - dialogue among theologians and meetings among Christians of the different churches and communities (Cf. UR 4; 9; 11); - collaboration among Christians in various areas of service to mankind (Cf. UR 12). "Human service" is the idiomatic phrase.    

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Christian unity is the business of all Christians, regardless of how young or old they are. Unity was one of Jesus’ most important concerns. He prayed to the Father, that they may all be one … so that the world may believe that you have sent me”(Jn 17:21). Divisions are like wounds on the Body of Christ; they hurt and fester. Divisions lead to enmities and weaken the faith and credibility of Christians. Overcoming the scandal of separation requires the conversion of all concerned but also knowledge of one’s own faith convictions, dialogues with others, and especially prayer in common, and collaboration among Christians in serving mankind. Those in authority in the Church must not let the theological dialogue be interrupted.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 822) Concern for achieving unity "involves the whole Church, faithful and clergy alike" (UR 5). But we must realize "that this holy objective - the reconciliation of all Christians in the unity of the one and only Church of Christ - transcends human powers and gifts." That is why we place all our hope "in the prayer of Christ for the Church, in the love of the Father for us, and in the power of the Holy Spirit" (UR 24 § 2).      

(The next question is:  Why is the Church holy?)