Dear St. Rita Families,

Unity is a theme that Pope Francis has mentioned several times recently. It is related to the goals of the Synod on Synodality; it is mentioned in the conflicts we have experienced regarding liturgy; it is in the very name of our beloved country; it points to communion, which is at the heart of our identity as members of the Body of Christ. So, why is unity so hard, and why does it feel like everyone and everything is failing at achieving it?

There are probably a thousand different ways to answer that question. But in order to get at any of them, we must be more specific about what exactly we want to achieve in seeking unity. The Founding Fathers understood that unity presupposes distinction of some sort. Otherwise, there would be no need for unity, since all parts would simply blend into each other and become one, bigger tertia quid. Unity does not subsume the other parts into one, giant whole. Unity respects the differences inherent in the parts. Marriage is a good example. The husband does not lose his masculinity in marrying his wife, and the wife does not lose her femininity in marrying her husband. The differences, which are good, are acknowledged, respected, and ultimately loved.

However, the Church recognizes that the unity between a husband and wife is not actually the final end of marriage. There are reasons why a husband and wife might need to choose to live apart for a time (e.g. abuse). Such reasons do not end the marriage covenant, which is only broken by death, but they (and others) certainly wound the natural union between the spouses, perhaps irreparably. And while enduring difficulties in marriage is a sure path to holiness (see St. Rita herself as a prime example), it would be absurd for a spouse who is being abused to think that the abuse is somehow good and thus necessary for the marriage. Such a union would be twisted and mutually damaging to both spouses.

The unity between husband and wife, then, is meant to be a bridge to the unity between mankind and God. This latter unity is that which we seek, and that gap was bridged by none other than Jesus Christ. If that is our real goal – union with Jesus Christ – and He is the one who enables that union, then every other relationship (and potential unity) in our lives must be subordinated to and directed towards our union with Christ.

How many people in your life are truly seeking union with Jesus Christ? Perhaps this is the main reason that there is so much fracture in the modern world. Union with other things (or people) can often seem more attractive, more attainable, easier, more pleasurable or profitable. But all those things and people will fail you. The only One who will not fail you is Christ Himself.

Only Christ sees your whole life from beginning to end and orchestrates it for your salvation. Only Christ encourages you when you fall, keeps you humble when you succeed, and remains with you at all times, especially in your suffering. Only Christ promises resurrection from the dead when everything else ends with death. Only Christ has conquered all evil.

So, why wouldn’t we seek Christ? The world needs to know that only in Him is there salvation. And if your witness helps others to find their peace and joy in Christ, then you have helped us all to take a step towards that unity that the world so desperately desires. 

In Christ,
Fr. Christensen