Brothers and sisters, today we hear Our Lord say: "I pray . . . that they all be one" (John 17:20) -- and He makes it clear He's not just talking about the Eleven, but all Christians: "those who will believe in me through their word." (Ibid.) And it's hard not to draw the concept of ecumenism from His words "that all may be one." The Protestants accuse us of wanting "all to be one" in the Catholic Church . . . and what is so surprising or unjust in that? Like a parent who wishes to see his estranged son or daughter, does he not want him or her to come home and be with the family? To put aside his or her differences and to embrace the family name and values? To gather around the family table and break bread together? Of course! But you can understand the reluctance of the child who broke away. He doesn't want to give up his new cherished beliefs, his comfort zone, his convenience. It seems too dear and too hard-won for him. Picture all the Baptists, Church-of-Christs, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Lutherans, etc. that you know and imagine what it would take for them to break down the barriers (that separate us) and walk into this Church, accepting and believing all she teaches. Pretty hard, eh? Well-nigh impossible. But what is impossible for man is possible for God. Let us always remember that -- and always be ready to invite and welcome them when they do come, maybe sweeten the deal by taking them out to eat afterwards. Maybe to discuss the Mass with them and to answer their questions, respond graciously to their comments, and always to "speak the truth in love."
Let us now profess our faith . . .
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