In the United States, it is not uncommon for Christians from many different traditions and backgrounds to have regular contact with one another (e.g., in the workplace, through parachurch organizations, and other partnerships). Through such meetings Christians can be inspired by the insights and practices of their fellow believers. Unfortunately, these meetings can also be discouraging when the two parties misunderstand or even dispute with one another.Many of us have experienced both the joy and disappointment of inter-Christian encounters. On the best of days, we are able to seek out common ground with our brothers and sisters in Christ, focusing on the positive elements of our churches. One bad days, we may find ourselves on the defensive or feeling judged for our particular Christian backgrounds. It is in these moments, both good and bad, that we need to remember the limits of our ecumenical horizons.
Personally, I would like to bring the different theological convictions of my fellow Christians into one coherent story. I would love to unite the beauty of Orthodox worship, the unity of Catholicism, the love for scripture in the Lutheran, Reformed, and Wesleyan traditions, the life in the Spirit of Pentecostals and charismatics, and the desire for peace in Anabaptism. I long to bring these wonderful gifts together, but I cannot. It is hard enough for me to hold them together in my own ecumenical vision let alone for others. It is only in the fullness of God’s wisdom and timing that all of His people will be one flock again. I do not know the day or the hour of this, nonetheless I must live in hopeful expectation of it and prepare for it.
Through discovering the limits of my ecumenical horizon, I learn valuable lessons about trust and obedience. I am invited to renew my belief in Christ’s prayer for His followers “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). Christ’s prayer will come to fulfillment one day! In addition, I am called to rediscover the little things that I can do “with great love” (as Mother Teresa would say) in service of the unity of God’s people. Though I am limited, God is more than able to use the small contributions of His followers for His greater purposes. This is particularly true when we line ourselves up with His loving vision for the Church and the world.
