Seeking unity and convergence

This letter is not about politics and the European Parliament elections. Yet, it concerns different peoples. It deals with unity. It seeks convergence.

We have just celebrated the Christian feast of Pentecost. The coming of the Holy Spirit upon the nascent Church, nearly 2,000 ago, reminds us of the incessant power and action of God in the world and in the Church. That biblical event continues to repeat itself in the lives of Christians and the communities they belong to. Indeed, that powerful action continues to take place in society whenever men and women of good will seek the common good, act in harmony and defend human dignity.

Tomorrow, June 3, at 7.15 p.m., an ecumenical service will be held at St Francis Church, Republic Street, Valletta. Bishop Mario Grech of Gozo will preside. Christians from different churches and denominations will assemble to thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. They will also pray that they move closer to one another. Fully aware of the reality of divisions which have tarnished the Church over the ages, they will renew their commitment to work together.

This is part of the work of the Malta Ecumenical Council which works hand in hand with the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission. The many personal contacts made by different Christians in Malta and Gozo over the years, has indeed been bearing fruit. The theme of Wednesday's ecumenical service is Celebrate Pentecost Together - "We were baptised into one body in a single Spirit" (1 Cor. 12,13). Yes, indeed, it is our common baptism which binds us together. The same Holy Spirit acts in the life and mission of all Christians.

A few weeks ago, Pope Benedict XVI, during a speech in the Upper Room (that is, the Cenacle), in Jerusalem - the place where the first disciples were gathered on that first Pentecost - affirmed: "The Spirit moves our hearts gently towards humility and peace, towards mutual acceptance, comprehension and cooperation. This inner disposition to unity under the prompting of the Holy Spirit is decisive if Christians are to fulfil their mission in the world." (May 12).

These basic attitudes inspire us: humility, harmony, mutual acceptance, comprehension and cooperation. Yes, together we can succeed in our aims...