Pope Says Ecumenism at 'Critical Juncture'

"The more closely we strive for a deeper understanding of the divine mysteries, the more eloquently our works of charity will speak of God's bountiful goodness and love toward all."

SYDNEY, Australia (Zenit) - Benedict XVI says the ecumenical movement is at a critical juncture, and that the temptation to view doctrine as divisive must be resisted.

The Pope affirmed this in Sydney on Friday morning local time, at an ecumenical meeting with about 50 religious leaders that took place within the context of the 23rd World Youth Day. The youth event is under way through Sunday.

After noting the achievements of ecumenism in Australia and the opportunities provided by this year's Pauline Jubilee, the Holy Father proposed that the ecumenical movement "has reached a critical juncture."

"To move forward, we must continually ask God to renew our minds with the Holy Spirit, who speaks to us through the Scriptures and guides us into all truth," he said. "We must guard against any temptation to view doctrine as divisive and hence an impediment to the seemingly more pressing and immediate task of improving the world in which we live."

The Pope affirmed that the history of the Church demonstrates that "praxis is not only inseparable from, but actually flows out of didache or teaching."

"The more closely we strive for a deeper understanding of the divine mysteries, the more eloquently our works of charity will speak of God's bountiful goodness and love toward all. St. Augustine expressed the nexus between the gift of understanding and the virtue of charity when he wrote that the mind returns to God by love, and that wherever one sees charity, one sees the Trinity."

Truth and love

Benedict XVI affirmed that dialogue between Christian religions advances not only through "an exchange of ideas but by a sharing in mutually enriching gifts."

"An 'idea' aims at truth; a 'gift' expresses love. Both are essential to dialogue," he said. "Opening ourselves to accept spiritual gifts from other Christians quickens our ability to perceive the light of truth which comes from the Holy Spirit."

The Holy Father showed the importance of seeking truth with two biblical images for the Church: "body" and "temple."

"By employing the image of a body, Paul draws attention to the organic unity and diversity that allows the Church to breathe and grow," he explained. "Equally significant, however, is the image of a solid, well-structured temple composed of living stones rising on its sure foundation. Jesus himself brings together in perfect unity these images of 'temple' and 'body.'"

"Every element of the Church's structure is important, yet all of them would falter and crumble without the cornerstone who is Christ," the Pontiff added. "As 'fellow citizens' of the 'household of God,' Christians must work together to ensure that the edifice stands strong so that others will be attracted to enter and discover the abundant treasures of grace within.

"As we promote Christian values, we must not neglect to proclaim their source by giving a common witness to Jesus Christ the Lord. It is he who commissioned the apostles, he whom the prophets preached, and he whom we offer to the world."

The Pope concluded by calling to mind the "prophetic calling" Christians of every age have received.

"Paul speaks of the importance of the prophets in the early Church; we too have received a prophetic calling through our baptism," he said. "I am confident that the Spirit will open our eyes to see the gifts of others, our hearts to receive his power, and our minds to perceive the light of Christ's truth."