We close this Octave for Christian Unity accompanied by Friar Enrique Eguiarte: Saint Augustine reminds us that unity is the most eloquent testimony of God’s love in a world wounded by divisions.
“So that the world may believe”: Saint Augustine and unity as a Christian testimony
For Saint Augustine, the unity of the Church is a living sign that should invite everyone to believe in Christ. The Bishop of Hippo pointed out that it is important not to divide the body of Christ, and that those of us who celebrate the same sacraments are united in the same body: “They are our brothers, who celebrate the same sacraments, although not with us, but they are the same; they respond the same Amen, although not united to us, but it is the same” (en. Ps. 32, 2, 2, 29)
Unity would be the best testimony to the world. It would be like the perfume with which Mary anointed Jesus’ feet in Bethany and whose aroma spread throughout the house (Jn 12:1-3). The house, as Saint Augustine points out, is the world, and the Church has the mission of spreading the good aroma of Christ throughout the world. Unity is part of this perfume that should lead all peoples and all nations to believe in Christ. In a world divided by different motives, conflicts and interests, the unity of Christians would be the most eloquent sign of God’s love, and an invitation to build unity among all human beings, leaving aside differences.
This is the challenge that the Church must continue to face. Do not tire of building unity. In its own interior, but also with all who believe in Christ, so that, as Saint Augustine said, those of us who have the same Head, which is Christ, may form a single body, united by love.
