A shared spark

Thomas pointed out that the two movements – the Focolare and the YMCA – share the same source of inspiration that gave rise to both: Jesus’ prayer for unity (John 17:21). He then outlined the key stages in the history of Together for Europe. In particular, he recalled the meeting of collaborators on 8 December 2001: following talks by Chiara Lubich and the Protestant bishop Ulrich Wilckens on Jesus crucified and forsaken, a Pact of Mutual Love was drawn up. This same Pact is renewed every year by the collaborators and forms the basis of Together for Europe.

Different charisms in unity

After sharing lunch in a warm, family-like atmosphere, the 20 people present, representing three Christian denominations – the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Catholic Church – were captivated by Thomas’s stories of reconciliation and forgiveness, stemming from his experience of finding Jesus in ‘the other’, in those different from himself. ‘By being together, the Churches and Communities experience the presence of Jesus amongst us. It is the experience of God that brings his people together; different charisms come together in unity. It is a meeting of riches, for God has placed gifts within these Communities which unfold with greater power through their interaction.’

Some of us have shared personal experiences gained from working for years within ecumenical networks at local level; these experiences were reflected in the ‘5 keys’ identified by Together for Europe to describe the path towards unity: Jesus at the centre; the Covenant of Mutual Love; the Word of God, to be heeded and put into practice; reconciliation that overcomes every barrier; a new attitude towards others, as we discover and share our mutual riches.

Images that speak volumes

We were struck by two particularly evocative images: a Byzantine mosaic from the historic Hagia Sophia basilica in Istanbul, in which John the Baptist and Mary, standing on either side of Jesus, bow towards Him and, in doing so, bow towards one another. ‘This shows what happens when we follow Jesus’ commandment: we turn towards Jesus Christ and, as a result, towards one another.’ And then, a painting by Hanna, Thomas’s wife, depicting the face of Jesus – suffering, yet serene – who seems to be saying: ‘I am here. I have always been here and always will be.’ Against a deep blue background, Europe is dotted with vibrant lines forming networks, all connected by thin golden threads leading to Jesus.

A football match

‘Hope’ is certainly a word that sums up the afternoon we spent together; the bond between those present has grown stronger and our love for one another has deepened. This has given us the courage to continue striving for unity. “Today I was subjected to sectarian verbal abuse whilst travelling by train after the football match,” someone told us the following day. “If Thomas hadn’t urged everyone to work towards eradicating sectarianism – which is often linked to the division between football teams – I wouldn’t have had the courage to respond calmly to that man, given that there were children in our carriage. Thanks to what Thomas said, I have begun to forgive, entrusting everything to God: that way, I don’t carry 500 years of hatred and prejudice in my heart.”

Claudia Melis, Jacqueline Thomson