Church in our community | Walk together sharing our precious treasure with others

By Contributed

May 2, 2024

Follow Jesus: Fr Doroteo Bravi. Photo by BILLCONROY

Hear from the ministers of the region — via the Greater Shepparton Combined Churches — in our new series, Church in our Community.

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As a follower of Christ, I am aware of the scandal we Christians present to the world by being divided. Yet, Jesus told us: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have a love for one another.” (John 13:35).

Is it possible to be united when we disagree? Yes, because what unites us is stronger than what divides us. And what is it that unites Christians more than anything else? Not really something, but someone: the risen Lord, Jesus Christ! That is why many of us in Greater Shepparton have decided to intensify our connection and interaction to get to know each other better, pray together and share with each other and the world our most precious living treasure: Jesus! We believe that so many people who have lost all hope in life would be transformed if they had a real encounter with Him, as we read in Psalm 34:8: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in Him.”

In a world that seems to be more and more polarised and divided, we feel responsible for modelling a different approach for society and humanity: to walk together. We accept that there are differences and disagreements, but we also believe that, seen from the right perspective, they can become a source of mutual enrichment! It is not all about denying or hiding our differences but choosing a different point of view on them.

As a Catholic, I am happy to be able to enrich others with something beautiful from my Church’s heritage, just as I am happy to receive fresh input and inspiration from people of different denominations and Churches.

In this, of course, my contemporary model is Pope Francis with his encouragement to be synodal (which means walking together) as a remedy against being locked and paralysed in disagreement.

The secret source of light and understanding in this process is not a human device but the Holy Spirit, who helps us to see beyond disagreement to a higher point of encounter and unity. We have experienced this so many times ... We have always felt so encouraged and excited at the end of our ecumenical prayer meetings.

Faith is not only a matter of thinking but also something in action that affects our experience. Come and see!