Being

Ministers of Unity
A Refection on Pastoral Ministry
Through the Lens of Gaudium et Spes

N.S. Nevilos

We live in a world that is slowly being ruined by division. From a worldwide

level to the most basic unit, we are consistently pestered by different separating
forces. From hostilities between nations on issues of territory, power and religion,
to the disputes among Catholics, other Christian denominations and even non-
believers especially on matters like contraception, abortion, gay marriage and more,
sensitive issues we live in a world that is in dire need of unification.
The church, as stated in Guadium et Spes (Ch. 4, sect. 40), exists in that world,
lives in it and acts with it. As such, it goes forward together with humanity and
experiences the same earthly lot which the world does. Being in the world but not
of the world, the church is confronted by these realities. Hence, in fulfillment of its
role as the soul for human society, it is her mission to bring unity to the world.
In his message to the bishops of United States gathered in the Cathedral of St.
Matthew in Washington D.C., Pope Francis stressed this important point, Our
mission as bishops is first and foremost to solidify unity, a unity whose content is
defined by the Word of God and the one Bread of Heaven. It can be noticed that
Pope Francis places a great emphasis in the mission of unity. He further proceeds
saying, It is imperative, therefore, to watch over that unity, to safeguard it, to
promote it and to bear witness to it as a sign and instrument, beyond barrier, unites
nations, races, classes and generations.
Gaudium et Spes (Ch. 4, sect. 42) speaks about this mission of unity
mentioned by Pope Francis to the U.S. bishops, The promotion of unity belongs to
the innermost nature of the Church, for she is, thanks to her relationship with
Christ, a sacramental sign and an instrument of intimate union with God, and of the

unity of the whole human race. As the priest receives his powers of orders and
jurisdiction from his bishop, he shares on this mission of unity. In his own parish, a
priest should be a unifier bringing all people together to God. Gaudim et Spes (Ch. 4,
sect. 43) emphasizes this role, it is more than necessary than ever that priests,
with joint concern and energy, and under the guidance of the bishops and the
supreme pontiff, erase every cause of division, so that the whole human race may be
les to the unity of Gods family.
How then can a minister be an instrument of unity? I cannot help but think of
any perfect example than our very own Pope Francis. For even before he stated this
mission of unity, he has already been showing us how it should be done. From the
moment he was elected into the papacy, he rejected living in the grandiose papal
apartment but opted a simple two-room suite in the Domus Santa Marta. Through
his simplicity, he united and related himself with a lot of people suffering in poverty
all over the world. Recently he revised the formerly tedious process of annulment
making it less complicated for separated or divorced couples to reunify back in
communion with the church. Currently, a synod on family is taking place in the
Vatican through his initiative. Some of the sensitive topics that are said to be
discussed are issues concerning divorced couples and homosexuals. This attempt
for dialogue should not be viewed, as a devaluation and compromise of our Catholic
moral doctrines and principles as suggested by a few parties. Because, its not and
nor will it ever be. Instead it should be seen as the realization of the role of the
church as true ministers and shepherds to all. With his works for mercy, Pope
Francis has created potential bridges, reaching out to people who had long been

alienated and disowned by the judgment and contempt cast unto them by some
people.

But then, even Pope Francis is just following the lead of what our Lord Jesus

Christ already did 2000 years ago. Jesus was a true minister of unity. He reached out
showing love and mercy to people who were usually despised, judged, and shunned
away because of their moral shortcomings. Yet Jesus did what many people of his
time thought as outrageous as some people may think of Pope Francis now. He ate
with tax collectors and sinners. He showed mercy to a prostitute or an adulteress
woman about to be stoned. That love and acknowledgement opened a door for
conversion. Soon this tax collector became a loyal apostle while the adulteress
became a faithful disciple.

Almost towards the end of his speech Pope Francis said a beautiful line to

U.S. bishops which is also relevant to all ministers ordained or lay, Harsh and
divisive language does not befit the tongue of a pastor, it has no place in his heart;
although it may momentarily seem to win the day, only the enduring allure of
goodness and love remains truly convincing.
In moments therefore of misunderstanding, opposition, and division, fighting
fire with fire is never the best approach. Unkind and imposing arguments, instead of
reconciling, may just widen the strife. Sometimes it is enough to simply meet the
other in an encounter and listen to what they have to say, learning their actual
struggles, showing genuine concern more than passing quick judgments. Hopefully
in this encounter, it is Christ that one sees, opening a door for conversion, bringing
peace in the conflict, and fostering unity in the apparent division.