Saint Mother Teresa once shared a poignant incident. A woman was found abandoned on the streets of Calcutta, frail and near death due to severe fever and hunger. Despite her weakened state, she cried out loudly, “My son did this.” Moved with compassion, Mother Teresa pleaded with her, saying, “You must forgive your son. He may have acted out of a moment of weakness, but as a mother, you must show him forgiveness.”
Mother Teresa later testified that it took several days of patient effort for this woman to finally say that she forgave her son. In her final moments, she repeated those words of forgiveness. This powerful example reminds us of forgiving love, which is embodied most profoundly on the cross of Jesus. Concerning those who falsely accused him, mocked him, and ultimately crucified him, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
For followers of Jesus, who died on the cross as the ultimate example of forgiveness, this lesson must be applied in their lives. To be true disciples of Christ, one cannot preach or live the gospel effectively while divided, quarreling, or harboring grudges and hatred. Disagreements among early Christian communities serve as a reminder of this.
The Apostle Paul rebuked such divisions, writing, “Your meetings are doing harm instead of good” (1 Cor. 11:17). From the Church’s earliest days to the present, divisions have arisen for various reasons and under different circumstances. Yet, alongside these divisions, efforts for unity have been a constant. While some attempts have borne fruit, others have not.
Nevertheless, the persistence of ecumenical dialogues today stands as a testament to the enduring desire for unity. The Second Vatican Council, which emphasized church unity, declared, “Division is contrary to the will of Christ, a stumbling block to the world, and a hindrance to the great mission of preaching the gospel to all creation” (Unitatis Redintegratio No. 1).
Through discussions, ecumenical conferences, and study classes, many doors have been opened for divided groups to come together. However, true unity requires more than external dialogue. It calls for the grace to forgive, endure, and practice patience. Only by letting go of past hurts and embracing forgiving love can we truly follow Jesus’ example.
Let us pray fervently for this great grace to unite in love, embody forgiveness, and advance the mission of Christ’s Gospel.
