Ecumenism is Basically a Prayer Movement

It was during His prayer to the Father for His disciples and other would-be believers that Jesus uttered the famous words, “Father, … that they may be one …” (Jn 17:21).

This is not a statement of doctrine. It is not a moral advice nor an expression of social concern.

It was a petition of a need for unity felt during prayer. What kind of unity? Forms, functions, interactions in the one uniformed liturgy? It seems to be an obvious answer. Mechanical uniformity of language and gestures in diverse cultures and traditions? No, it is not.

So, if it is a prayer movement what does it entail? People praying and moving around? No, definitely not.

The basic aspects of a prayer movement has to be understood in the context of the culture of dialogue. These aspects are:

1. Being with fellow baptized individuals;
2. Mutual agreement to come together to talk about one’s faith life or one’s personal relationship with God;
3. Praying together and reflecting in silence on the Our Father.
4. A deepening of personal friendship.
5. Need of theological unity in prayer/liturgy/sacraments etc. felt as a result of deepening friendship.

The text from the Acts of the Apostles (chp 27-28 ) shows how St. Paul as a man of dialogue began sharing his personal experiences of the Lord with people of Malta, and how the people responded in friendship through their generous material help. We can rightly conclude that faith in Jesus later introduced by the successors of St. Paul was easily accepted.

This reflection is being shared as one of the culminating aspects of the Day 8 of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the San Pedro Cathedral, 25 January 2020.