"That They May All Be One"

Our Lord's revelation did not end in mere didactical statements to his disciples. His gestures, his actions, and most of all his prayers also revealed the Father to the Twelve, and they continue to do so for "those who have not seen and yet believe" [Jn 20, 29b].

Jesus prayed in the Upper Room for those who are "in the world" that "they may be one, even as we (the Father and the Son) are one" [Jn 17, 11b].

So it is a continuing sign of hope this Advent that the Catholic News Agency reported the following:

Vatican City, Dec 6, 2007 / 10:55 am (CNA).- Baptists leaders from around the world met with Pope Benedict XVI this morning at the Vatican as the second round of Baptist-Catholic talks continued. Saying that the lack of unity among Christians contradicts Christ’s will, Benedict XVI told the Baptist delegation that the world needs “our common witness to Christ and to the hope brought by the Gospel.”

This meeting in Rome is the second round of ongoing discussions that Members of the Baptist World Alliance are holding with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. The theme for this meeting is: "The Word of God in the Life of the Church: Scripture, Tradition and Koinonia." Continue reading …

Many besides myself can well remember when Baptist Christians would no sooner meet at the Vatican with the Holy Father than cozy up with Nikita Kreuschev at the Kremlin -- and for similar reasons in their addled pates.

May this serve as one of many signs of the power of Our Lord to bring unity, peace, and brotherhood among all who, as Benedict XVI stated, lean upon the "liberating truth and saving power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Amen and amen.