There are many in the Church today who talk about unity and division, we’ll call them Uniters. Specifically, the Uniters will mention a certain group of Catholics who are always causing division (read “Traditionalists”).
It is crucial to read the scriptures, as St. Jerome says “ignorance of the scriptures is ignorance of Christ”. Jesus has something to say about division. We read in Luke:
I am come to cast fire on the earth; and what will I, but that it be kindled? And I have a baptism wherewith I am to be baptized: and how am I straitened until it be accomplished? Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation. For there shall be from henceforth five in one house divided: three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against his father, the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother, the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. Luke 12:49-53 DR
The natural order of things to come is those who profess a faith in Jesus Christ will cause divisions among the Earth. While unity is an important aspect of the faith, we must remember Jesus Christ and His Church holds all Truth. To separate oneself from either of these causes division.
In my own experience, I have found the Uniters who profess a “spirit of unity” to be the ones who are against the sacred traditions we have inherited. So much so, they will label and isolate those who do profess the Truths and traditions of our faith. How? Calling someone divisive comes to mind.
St. Paul warns against those who cause division by not upholding the doctrine handed down in his letter to the Romans:
Now I beseech you, brethren, to mark them who make dissensions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them. For they that are such, serve not Christ our Lord, but their own belly; and by pleasing speeches and good words, seduce the hearts of the innocent. For your obedience is published in every place. I rejoice therefore in you. But I would have you to be wise in good, and simple in evil. Romans 16:17-19 DR
True unity occurs once we unite ourselves with the teachings, doctrines, and traditions that have been passed on from prior generations through Christ and the Church.
To the Uniters, I give the benefit of the doubt. They do not know their faith well enough and believe they are preaching it. Pray for them and encourage them to delve deeper into Catholicism.
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