LET THE SPIRIT GUIDE US ON THE PATH OF ECUMENISM

VATICAN CITY, JAN 25, 2003 (VIS) - At 6 p.m. today, feast of the conversion of St. Paul, the Holy Father was joined by representatives of other Churches and ecclesial communities of Rome to celebrate second vespers at St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls Basilica, thus concluding the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. He welcomed the representatives as "beloved brothers and sisters, ... united by the one Baptism in the Lord Jesus Christ."

The Pope began his homily by noting that the theme of the week of prayer, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels," was taken from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians. He remarked that "All Christians are thus called to press forward on their earthly pilgrimage without letting themselves be overwhelmed by difficulties or afflictions, in the certainty that they will overcome all obstacles thanks to the help and the power which come from on high."

"As Christians," he went on, "we know that we are called to bear witness before the world to the 'glorious Gospel' which Christ has given to us. In His name, let us unite our efforts in order to be at the service of peace and reconciliation, justice and solidarity, especially at the side of the poor and the least of the earth."

Pointing to the "many abundant fruits" that God "has lavished on the path of ecumenism," John Paul II recalled the interreligious Day of Prayer for World Peace held in Assisi one year ago, his various meetings with leaders of other Churches this past year, especially those of Orthodox Churches, and with Archbishop George Carey of Canterbury, "at the conclusion of his mandate."
"At the same time," the Pope commented, "we cannot fail to acknowledge realistically the difficulties, the problems and at times the disappointments which we still encounter. At times we sense a certain weariness, a lack of fervor, while still experiencing that pain that we are not yet able to share the Eucharistic banquet."

"In the present situation of ecumenism," the Holy Father underscored, "it is important to realize that only the Spirit of God is in a position to give us full visible unity. That is why we need to stress the importance of spiritual ecumenism, ... (though) this does not mean in any way lessening, or downplaying theological dialogue, which has borne abundant fruits in recent decades. ... Spiritual ecumenism opens our eyes and our hearts to the understanding of revealed truth, and enables us to recognize it and welcome it, thanks also to the insights of other Christians."

He then remarked on the "encouraging signs of a promising revival of spiritual life" in ecclesial communities of both East and West. "Nor should we overlook," he added, "the instances in which the clergy of other Churches attend Catholic Universities: guests at our seminaries, they take part in student life in accordance with the ecclesial discipline in force."

Pope John Paul, in concluding remarks about the path of ecumenism, said: "Let us continue then with courage and patience along this path, trusting in the power of the Spirit! It is not for us to set time frames or deadlines; the Lord's promise is enough for us."

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