Meditation for May 5, "That they may be one in us"

Unity in the Community.

Understand it well. Desire it ardently.

Understand it. It is not a question of unity attained by suppres­sion of one's personal characteristics or individuality, not a unity resulting in impoverishment, forming a group of insignificant per­sons. No, it is desirable, on the contrary, that each one retain his individuality, however little it may be, and the more marked this individuality the greater reason there is for retaining it so that unity be achieved through a grouping of rich personalities. Be­cause it will often be expedient to moderate the supply of enrich­ment coming from without, each one within must contribute to the general enrichment; and that humbly, simply and uprightly. A counsel for those who are too self-effaced might well be: Come out of yourselves, step forward, plunge into things. A counsel for those who are too forward: be more retiring, put on the soft pedal, let others shine.

Once unity is understood, it must be desired.

We all bring different characters into the community, different ancestral traits, different mentalities, and different cultures. This has distinct advantages; we need never fear monotony, but may find light in a clash of opinion. This impact of characters how­ever may give rise to subtle or even open dissension and strife. Each one must contribute his note to the concert, not necessarily the same as his neighbor's, but one which harmonizes with the ensemble. All must belong so completely to Christ that all may be united in Christ.
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Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)