Humility is the First Step to Unity

Jesus calls out to us, makes an appeal to us: 'Are you ready to leave everything from your past for me? Do you want to make My love known, My mercy?'

His gaze of divine mercy is the source of the whole Christian Ministry.

As the Apostle's letters show, he did not always have an easy relationship with the community in Corinth, noting that at one point there was even a painful visit during which heated words were exchanged in writing.

But by living his ministry in light of the mercy that he received, St. Paul does not give up in the face of divisions, but devotes himself to reconciliation. Christians of different confessions must have the same attitude.

When we, the community of baptized Christians, find ourselves confronted with disagreements and turn towards the merciful face of Christ to overcome it, it is reassuring to know that we are doing as Saint Paul did in one of the very first Christian communities.

Perhaps the most difficult moment St. Paul had with the community in Corinth, the Apostle cancelled a trip he was planning to make, and renounced the gifts he would have received.

However, while there were certainly tensions in their relationship, these did not have the final word, the two communities eventually reconciled and the Christians in Corinth eventually helped St. Paul in his ministry to the poor and needy.

Solid communion grows and is built up when people work together for those in need, through a united witness to charity, the merciful face of Jesus is made visible in our city.

We thank the Lord that among Christians the desire has grown for greater closeness, which is manifested in our praying together and in our common witness to the Gospel, above all in our various forms of service.

Work together to become ever more faithful disciples of Jesus, always more liberated from our respective prejudices from the past and ever more desirous to pray for and with others.