Father Make Us One

We spent this weekend celebrating the Alleluia Community's 33rd birthday. It was a jampacked three days that left us exhausted but counting our blessings.

The community's way of life goes back to the days of Gospel living. Every member works hard to live the life that Jesus calls us to live - a life of holiness. We do this through prayer, service and just plain spending time together.

Today we had mass in the school gym. The community is a multi-demonational group so we all gathered together for a common prayer before beginning our separate services and we reconvened when they were over to end in prayer together.

I will be the first to say that I love my Catholic Faith more than anything. I also know that Pope John Paul II so longed for unity among Christians and Pope Benedict desires the same. Today, I was so encouraged by the act of ecumenism we are living out on a daily basis. To join hands with people of all different Christian faiths, say the Our Father and then sing "Father Make Us One", was very moving.

I can't help but to wonder what the world would be like if everyone could live like this. If we focused on what we have in common rather than what separates us, we might all find more joy. Instead of arguing with each other we could help each other grow closer to Jesus by sharing our faith together.

When we get to Heaven one day (please Jesus) there will be no more separation. We will all be worshipping our Savior together. Today for a moment I experienced what that will be like and it was a truly beautiful thing.

Father make us one. Father make us one. That the world may know Thou has sent Your Son, Father make us one.