Paul, in his letter to the Romans, was trying to overcome the divisions between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Paul mentioned several spiritual gifts used to promote unity. Even more than the Romans, we who live today need to use these gifts to foster unity. Our Christianity is denominationalized, our marriages and families broken, and our civilization divided into races, cultures, and nations. We need unity desperately.

The first gift of unity Paul mentioned was prophecy (Rm 12:6). A prophet can pierce the most hardened heart with God's "now-word" and thus break down walls of division. The gift of faith makes us confident we will be reconciled despite years of division (Rm 12:6). When we use the gift of ministry, we serve each other in the most practical ways (Rm 12:7). An anointed teacher (Rm 12:7) proclaims the truth that sets us free from division (Jn 8:32). Those with the gift of exhortation encourage us to persevere in promoting unity (Rm 12:8). Otherwise we would probably quit just before a real breakthrough.

When we give alms to our enemies, we break down barriers (Rm 12:8). Paul took up a collection from Gentile Christians to feed Jewish Christians. Careful leaders defuse potentially explosive situations and promote unity through a well-ordered, just society (Rm 12:8). Those performing works of mercy show us the love of Christ on Calvary (Rm 12:8). This love bridges all gaps.

In our divided world, we must learn to use the gifts of unity.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 2007

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