Anda Done
Editor of the publication “Kas mūs vieno?“

Dear brother/sister in Christ -

With these words it is common to us who believe in Christ to address each other. There is a reason behind it – our blood relationship we have through the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. I do not know which denomination or community of believers you belong to; yet, I hope that the things you read and see here will address you.

“Kas mūs vieno?” (“What and Who Unites Us?”) is a question for reflection. We are different people and beauty lies also in diversity. But, are we always able to accept this diversity?  Does it have impartial or subjective grounds? Let the question “Who And What Unites Us?” address us in a special way when thinking about differences among believers. These distinctions are at times just like a spoke in the wheel that can be easily pulled out, but, at times, it is like a log on the way that is nearly impossible to remove. What do we think more about – things that unite us or things that divide us?

This little publication does not contain deep theological research, but is an attempt to address the heart, and the character of heart is to feel. Have you ever experienced the pain caused by the division of our Christ’s Body? It hurts when somebody or something is not healthy, when it is not whole.

If you have such an experience then you will find here a lot of good signs. These signs are people, who have answered the call to be the tools in the hands of God in order to serve the unity of Christ’s Body, and it strengthens hope. Some people are more known, some are less. Signs are also events – somewhere in the wide world or hereabouts in Latvia. The sign is also relationships based on sharing love with one another though we belong to various communities of believers.

If you have never thought of such questions before, hopefully, this publication – some visual image, idea, testimony or the very Word of God – will address you. Then open up to this conversation!

Christians from various denominations come together annually from 18th to 25th of January to pray for the unity of all Christians. Maybe you also will pray for this special need – the unity of Christ’s Church, express your gratitude for God’s beautiful work already completed through the Holy Spirit and pray for steps that we still have to take to draw nearer to each other. Everyone has its own task while on this way – both those who have responsible positions and those who teach and help to understand the Holy Scriptures; every believer has a task since Jesus said shortly before his death: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
He constantly prays for us: “That they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). This is why it is so important – so that the world may believe!

Greetings to you on Pentecost!

On this day we meet disciples – people of duty.
On this day we meet disciples – people of inspiration.
These words that you’ll read in the reflection of pastor Linards Rozentals about the Pentecost event can be referred also to the main theme of this publication – unity in the Christian Church. We are people of duty when we regard in obedience the conditions set by our denomination, and that does have certain importance. But are we also people of inspiration?

The first issue of the publication ”Kas mūs vieno?” came out before the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that takes place every year in January. The leading theme of the week was: "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid: that foundation is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 3:11)
In some places in the world this special prayer week takes place during Pentecost. The very event of Pentecost - when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and when the Church was born - is very symbolic. There are many moments in life when we understand – this is happening in the unity of the Holy Spirit. What kind of unity is it? We cannot describe it, but only experience it... This is why the current issue focuses on the testimonies how a number of people have experienced and are still experiencing this unity within the borders they have, especially in different communities.

"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Lk 12:49)
This longing for an undivided Church... For opening...This issue tells about it in the article written by Olivier Clement.

A few more words concerning this edition. After the first issue there was much to think about – is continuation necessary, and why? The polarity of opinions regarding the importance of the theme varied between: "Where is the problem? Everything is all right...” and „Yes, it is important! My heart says so...” This is how the second issue of this publication appeared – thanks to the spiritual, moral and material support of those people who insisted on continuing.
I hope very much that the publication ”Kas mūs vieno?” will be of help, so that “what of God’s Kingdom is already manifested" may shine into “what is not yet”. The door is open – if you feel called you can support further issues by prayers, ideas, feedbacks. Also donations would be welcome since the publication is free of charge in hope that it could address a broader range of people (e-mail you’ll find in Contacts).

Reflecting upon the significance of the chosen theme, thoughts of Pope John Paul II in the encyclical „Ut unum sint” (1995) may be found encouraging: “It is absolutely clear that the movement promoting Christian unity is not just a kind of "appendix" attached to the traditional activities of the Church. Rather, ecumenism is an organic part of her life and work, and consequently it must pervade all that Church is and does; ecumenism must be like a fruit born of a healthy and flourishing tree that grows to its full maturity.”
"I am the vine; you are the branches.” (Jn 15:5)
What kind of a branch am I? Do I allow myself to be pruned?
Can there be grapes found on my branch?
Are they sweet?

Let us hurry up!

“Re-establishing communion is urgent today; it cannot continually be put off until later, until the end of time.” These are the words written by Brother Roger in his annual letter for the year 2005. Why cannot it be put off? Because Christ invites us: “So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew, 5:23-24). Brother Roger adds that it is written “First go” not “Put it off till later.”
“Separations have arisen between those who professed faith in the same God of love.” It is from the letter, too. Of course, each one of us has to find an answer to the question about the meaning of a word division and the meaning of the words unity, community and communion. The topic is not about different opinions but rather about the condition of one’s heart.

A new year has come, a new stage in our pilgrimage. Brother Roger has passed on into eternity. We all as pilgrims continue going along this Way that is Christ. His life in this world ended up on the Cross, but it was followed by the Resurrection. Besides, the Holy Spirit is still continuing his work. The question is – do I see where He leads? Do I accept the way He leads and do I follow Him?

Since this edition of the publication is issued in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the main theme remains unchanged – the call for prayer and conversation with the Lord through the Holy Scriptures. Personal dialogue with the Lord is a stage in our pilgrimage one has to make individually. Only then we will be able to be together.

We must admit that we still have to learn how to pray. Have you noticed that we often tend to pray only for the Church of our own denomination? Praise to God that the Holy Spirit himself, being aware of our weakness, prays for us with wordless sighs.

It may be helpful in the path of life with the Lord to read the reflections of other pilgrims - in the unfinished letter by Brother Roger for the year 2006, the reflections on the significance of ecclesiology by Thomas F.Best and the address of Vassula Ryden concerning God’s calling to his people. These people come from various countries and various Christian traditions, but they are all kindled within by the same fire and longing. It is a great joy that good, bespeaking signs continue occurring also in Latvia, about them – in this issue.

No. 2 / 2006 (4)

“My soul praises highly the Lord!”

The Magnificat of the Virgin Mary is well-known to us. We read it in the Bible; we repeat it when our soul is filled with gratitude to the Lord by observing great things accomplished by Him. She also said: “Look, I am the Lord’s servant, let it happen…” Then why we often break a lance with one another because of the Lord’s servant?

An important principle is observed in ecumenical relations: focus on things that unite. It is a safe way to find out what we all have in common. How about Mary? Does she divide or unite us? Perhaps we could make a step ahead with hope that in the Holy Spirit we can reflect peacefully on such a sensitive theme as Mother of God.

In this issue you can read how the theologians of the Dombes Group built up their relationships and conducted discussions, and what conclusions they came up with. Everything is interrelated – our experience of prayer and relationships as well as the opinions of theologians, since a moment comes when one wants to cry out: “You, who are theologians, explain to us, why…!?” Theologian Bernard Sesboüé has come up with interesting conclusions concerning the ecumenical movement today which he has chosen to describe with the words – patience and utopia.

Whether it relates to the situation in Latvia it is up to us to decide. However, there are good signs in Latvia. The year of 2006 has been particularly significant with two large events organized by different denominations and congregations – the Way of the Cross for the first time in Old Riga and the first Family Day. This issue offers interviews with those who prepared these events.

We know that there is time for everything – time for mutual exchange of thoughts and time for conversation with the Lord. My special conversation with the Lord took place this year (2006) in summer in Krimulda when in a small chapel for private prayers I unexpectedly came across a newspaper “Medžugorjes Atbalsis” (“Medjugorje Echoes”) issued almost two years ago with the message from Mother of God on the 25th of January, 2005: "Dear children! In this time of grace again I call you to prayer. Pray, little children, for unity of Christians, that all may be one heart. Unity will really be among you as much as you pray and forgive. Do not forget: love will conquer only if you pray, and your heart will open. Thank you for having responded to my call."
Views differ concerning such messages received by certain people. However, this message spoke to me because the first edition of the publication “Kas mūs vieno?” was issued in January of 2005.

No. 1 / 2007 (5)

Pray...

“Pray” is the main word of this issue. Jesus reminded of the importance of prayer again and again, Paul called the Thessalonians to pray, and this is also the main theme of this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Several anniversaries are celebrated in 2008. One hundred years since the Week of Prayer takes place on 18 - 25 January is one of them. Looking back at the history of the Week of Prayer we can better perceive God's work, praise Him and thank Him for the people who prayed before us and who surrendered themselves to God's guidance. At the same time we are still on the way and sometimes we want to exclaim: “How long still?”
We don’t know it, so we have to continue – in forbearance, persistence and unceasingly.
This year marks also the 40th anniversary since the materials for the week of Prayer are jointly being prepared by the World Council of Churches and Roman Catholic Church.

You’ll find in this issue also several materials on prayer beads. Their origin is so different, however prayer beads are known to the Orthodox, the Catholics and even Evangelicals. The main thing apparently is the call to pray. It means to calm down and welcome serenity, and to contemplate God and His work in the world. It also means to welcome internal peace for conversation with Him about oneself and about others.

You will find in this issue also a homily by pastor Roberts Feldmanis on the last prayer of Jesus (John 17) before His Way of the Cross which is so important for the ecumenical movement, as well as a meditation of Jean Vanier on the same Bible verses supplemented by illustrations specially made for this meditation.

The issue concludes with a brief insight on some events of the previous year both in Latvia and abroad.

Significant was the meeting at the end of the year with the aim to make the cover photo for this issue. Contemplating the idea of prayer beads we had to admit that also visually they are so different that it is difficult to fit them into one good picture. Finally several people representing their denomination came together, as well as photographers with God given talents. It once again served as testimony to the fact how important each person is.

No. 1 / 2008 (6)

What is Church?

A year has passed, rich in events and meetings. In our magazine “Who and What Unites Us?” we continue to search for answers to questions we have. The main topic of this issue is: What is Church?

First we offer a reflection on Church and the event of Christmas.
It is followed by a discussion where ministers of four denominations share their considerations on Church as community. They are the Orthodox priest Nils Druvaskalns; Father Andris Priede, who represents the Roman Catholic Church, he is also senior lecturer at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Latvia; Dr. William Weinrich, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia and rector of ELCL Luther Academy; and Rev. Oļegs Jermolajevs, preacher at the Baptist Church in Cēsis, head of the Christian Management College.

Continuing our tradition, the pages in the very middle are reserved for Bible readings for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We also offer a brief insight into the ancient prayer tradition lectio divina.

2008 was the last year of the earthly pilgrimage for Chiara Lubich, the founder of the ecumenical community Focolare. She has said about herself and the community Focolare: “We were born for the words “That all may be one” (John 17,21), for unity.” We remember her before God and intercede for her soul.

A deeply meaningful reflection on contrition and the mission of the Church is offered by Patriarch Athenagoras. Though much has changed since his day, the issues he addresses are as topical as ever.

Church tradition speaks of the Church visible and invisible. This time we offer a chance to have a closer look at the Church invisible – the cloud of witnesses surrounding us. They are martyrs, saints and witnesses of faith who have been Christ’s reflection during their lifetime. In different traditions we remember these witnesses differently. The important question is – do we remember them at all? The Bible often invites us to remember. In autumn 2008, when Churches were celebrating Reformation Day and All Saints’ Day, Christians from different denominations came together at the community Bose in Italy to remember witnesses of faith and to invite Churches to do it together. In the introduction to the ecumenical martyriology “Témoins de Dieu” (“Witnesses to God”) Enzo Bianchi, the prior of the community Bose, points out that even today saints are inviting us to take up the radicality of the gospel message without faltering. The magazine also serves a brief introduction to the community Bose.

For personal reflection you can find a number of meditations, prayers and pictures. St Augustine reminds us: “If you do not want to stop praying, do not stop longing”. St Cyprian: “Everything points to only one source”. Cardinal François Marti exclaims about the apostles who were so different in character and education “What a strange and diverse company!” Chiara Lubich shares her thoughts of what it means to be an instrument in God’s hands and urges not to be afraid to give up everything for the sake of unity. George Fielden McLeod speaks on what is and what is not Church and suggests that the less worthy members of the Church are none other than ourselves displaying signs of our earthiness – prejudice, nasty jokes, self-importance. Bruno de Roeck questions if that really is so impossible that the Lord’s Church be one. The road to unity is blocked by fear, lack of determination, a sea of misunderstanding and pride, yet our Lord is “the God of impossible things!”

And in the conslusion a couple of pictures to bring out a smile – at ourselves, of course!

We Bear Witness

Recently we often hear people saying, “All is falling apart! All is collapsing!” In a way it is so, in a way not. Psalms 91 says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who  abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!‘ ”and “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. ” (Ps. 91:1-2; 7) Symbolically it is reflected also by the cover of this issue – life in God is marked by the colour of hope, for “But for me it is good to be near God” (Ps. 73:28). Life also means movement, and a testimony to it is the evangelization buss.

The main theme of both the Prayer Week for the Unity of Christians and of this issue is Christian witness. The publication “Kas mūs vieno?” can bear witness that we have not been affected by depression and destructive tendencies, on the contrary – it comprises more pages than ever and ‘our cup is running over’, since we can present our readers with a gift – the Evangelization Cross by Rūta and Kaspars Poikāni. This issue presents witnesses about various events that have taken place in 2009 – about the celebration of Pentecost in Paris, about the pilgrimage “In the Footsteps of Apostle Paul” in Greece, about the evangelization of children and young people in Cesvaine, Latvia. In the autumn of 2010 Latvia will witness a major evangelization event, the Hope Festival together with Franklin Graham, so it could be inspiring to consider what Louis Schweitzer says in the article “Evangelization and Ecumenism are Inseparable”.

Very interesting is the report “Spiritual Struggle for the Unity of Church” by metropolit George from the Mount of Lebanon. It was presented at the ecumenical colloquium at the monastery of Bose in Italy. The report calls for deep reflections, for digging deeper in our own thoughts and considerations.

We offer also two speeches delivered in Paris during Pentecost. The topical ecumenical issues are discussed in the article by cardinal Walter Kasper “Renewed Pentecost is Possible”. You can get acquainted with Pastor André Birmelé comprehensive meditation on the single word – passion in the article “Passion, patience, suffering, compassion”.

Reports on the pilgrimage to Greece have been summed up in the article entitled “True Life in God”. God speaks to people in various ways – sometimes His voice is very quiet and can be heard only in the very depths of the soul, but at times he makes a whip and goes to the temple. Our God is a living God! It is very important that we hear and recognize what He wants to say.

The year 2009 saw the passing away of the celebrated theologian Olivier Clémant, whose thoughts have been repeatedly quoted in our journal. He has said, “When you go to meet another person, ask him ‘How do you love Christ?’.” When we follow Christ, equally important is another question asked by Olivier Clémant, “How do you shed the blood of your heart, so that everyone can be saved?”

Everything was good

God created and everything was very good. It is worth to immerse in these words. We know the continuation of the story in the Paradise and God’s answer to the mankind: „The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (..) The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” (Jn 1:5,9)

The reflection on unity this time has led to the story of Creation. God has created us to be different and this diversity means not only different Christians but also different peoples and cultures. In this issue we continue to look for the common between Christians, but we try also to understand where are other people in the story of Creation. So in this issue you can read conversations on this theme with the Roman Catholic Archibishop of Riga Zbigņevs Stankevičs, Archibishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia Jānis Vanags and the Bishop of the Union of Baptist Churches in Latvia Pēteris Sproģis. We were looking for the common, trying to understand why we are not always in the light of God and we talked about the people around us, in the church and outside it. In 2010 a special event was the festival of evangelization „Hope” with Franclin Graham.

In this issue you will find also interesting reflection of a Copt monk from Egypt Matta El Maskine. He speaks about some important aspects of unity that we must be aware of and that can effect us – about unity and sympathy, sustained by senses, and about unity and tendencies to coalition. He draws attention that it is a temptation for a Church to become strong. At the end of the reflection he prays for the unity with a value of eternity.

Let us be together in prayer with a French trappist prior Christian de Chergé of the Tibhirine monastery in Algeria reading his last testament, praying together with Christians of Jerusalem, Latvian poet Imants Ziedonis, French theologian Olivier Clemént and Egyptian father Matta El Maskine. Let us be attentive also to the images – each of them is one’s prayer.

The theme of the Prayer Week for Christian Unity in 2011 is: united in apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. Let us pray for the fulfillment of Christ’s will „So that all be one”. It depends on God how it will happen, but we can choose to be in God’s light and to abandon ourselves to the wind of Holy Spirit. Let us pray also for one date for celebrating Easter not only in 2011 but also later on, so that Christians would not be divided – some following in the path of passion, but others rejoicing in Easter’s joy; so that all the Christians could one day proclaim in one voice: „Christ is risen!”

And at the end let us smile – sometimes we are united even by resemblance of outward appearance.

Let the words of Apostle John be with us in the year 2011: „No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1John 4:12)

Peace to you!

This greeting is often heard during the services and it corresponds to the main theme of this issue – peace. We often mention this word in the Church, but have we really penetrated and tried to understand what is the outward and inner peace? At the beginning of the issue let us reflect on the Mountain sermon. Hearing Jesus’ words we often ask ourselves how to link together things that seem to be isparate, this time - how to link together courage and humility.

This issue provides the possibility to get to know people who have lived in different countries at different times. One of them is St.Francis. He seems to be known to us but going deeper we find that we know only some facts about him and at the same time the concrete period of history must be taken into consideration. Surprisingly how the example of St.Francis has influenced the subseguent history. For example, the movement of Franciscans with their conviction of the crucial importance of the principle of nonviolence. The issue provides possibility to read a very interesting imaginary dialogue between St.Francis and Sultan based on the fact that such a meeting really took place.

Another influence of St.Francis goes still to nowadays – these are the three large meetings in Assisi dedicated to peace that were held by the initiative of the popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI who invited to come together the representatives of very different religions. It is worth reflecting on the „Spirit of Assisi” in one of the articles...

Another witness of unity is patriarch Athenagoras. This time in the publication you will find his reflection that leads to the realization that Christ is everywhere.

It was a surprise to learn about a woman who lived in the United States who once decided to change her name and she became known as Peace Pilgrim – she decided to start on a journey walking around the country for 28 years and all her journey, only by feet, was as a prayer for peace. Her extraordinary life was an inspiration for many people to start thinking over the importance of peace.

It seems that the above mentioned people had finished their struggle and put down their weapons.

Their outward life was different but some inner attitude is so similar in all of them. It is union with God, with the goodness in other people and also a special attitude towards nature.

What is the topicality of peace at this moment? We hear upsetting news from time to time. We know 11 September, 2001 in America, 22 July 2011 in Norway. After these events people said – now we have another America, another Norway. It is important also to understand what does it mean „another” – more militant or more open? The above mentioned where outward events, but Peace Pilgrim once said – the outward events are only reflection of the processes inside ourselves.

In Latvia we can be thankful for the outward peace, but as to the inner peace, for sure, we would like to have it more. Do we have peace inside us or we must admit that we often are in war in ourselves? It is understandable if we struggle against something inside us but the situation totally changes if we start to struggle (outwardly or inwardly) against others, against those people who are not like ourselves, who do not think like us, who worship God in another manner. Apostle Paul in the Holy Scripture invites us to serve following the gospel of peace (Ef 6:15).

Let us penetrate into God more and more and let us strive for peace and unity receiving inspiration from the stories of the people we got to know in this issue. Going deeper inside ourselves, our outward behaviour also will change. Then we will be able to say – now we have another Latvia, another Church, because I have become another person.

Read, reflect, pray

Year 2012 was a very special year in Latvia as readers could receive a new Latvian translation of the Bible. This is a really great project that started in 1995. The significance of the new translation of the Bible is of extraordinary value and this is the reason why this issue is dedicated to this event. Theologians from different denominations and translating professionals joined their skills for this work. The issue contains conversation with the coordinator of the translation commission, theologian Juris Cālītis, who tells about the translation process and some interesting aspects that the translation commission had to deal with.

The focus of this issue is the Word of God from the new Latvian translation of the Bible. It is worth to devote time to compare how the corresponding texts were in the old and are now in the new translation. Everything is prepared – read, reflect, pray; only do not suspend it because „Now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation." (2Cor 6:2)

The Prayer Week for the Unity of Christians in Latvia takes place in January. We know the many obstacles that still divide us and we are aware that they can be overcome only by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. So let us intensify our prayers and let us pray also before the Pentecost – you will find the corresponding dates near the Bible lessons. Between Christmas that we have just celebrated and Pentecost will be Easter that Christians again will celebrate separately. So let us continue our prayers for celebrating Easter together.

In this issue you can read also a sermon from the 19th century tasting the language of that time that shows how great changes happen in the development of a language during the centuries. While the message from God stays the same: „Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow!” (Hebrew 13:8)

Let us listen to what God wants to say and not to what we want to hear.

Let us not turn into servants of letter, but let us turn into servants of Spirit.

Let the use of the Word of God unites Christians, not divides. (a prayer from the service dedicated to the new Bible translation)

Let us be whole and healthy!

It is interesting that in Latvian language we use the same word when we speak about health and when we speak about wholeness – something that is not divided. In the publication „Kas mūs vieno?” the main theme is unity, but the word „united” has association with the process of uniting together the things that are different, and it is good. While Jesus’ will „that all of them may be one” (Jn 17:21) impels us to think deeper, about the wholeness.

A sound person means also a sound Church, so let us turn in this issue to a man. In the church we hear more often about spiritual issues, but God became flesh – a man with a body, with emotions, as we read that even God rejoiced (Lk 10:21) and also became angry (Jn 2:15). So He lived a life here on earth just as we live it. What does it really mean – God became flesh.

How is it related to my life?

Maybe my life can be like a story of love of both flesh and spirit? A pastor Juris Rubenis speaks about this in his sermon. Then there are some conversations. At the beginning, with a doctor Igors Kudrjavcevs about the physical health, about our attitude, and especially attitude of Christians towards their body. Then follows a conversation with a chaplain Dana Kalniņa-Zaķe – what does it mean to deeply meet another person and to really listen what he or she wants to say. We can join in reflection also Nerses Snorhali in his prayer: „You was moved to compassion for me”. Then we will continue conversation with a pastor, a pastoral therapist Kaspars Bērziņš who in March 2013 organized the Days of Soul’s Heeling. Lecturers from different denominations took part in these days and very many people were interested in this event.

Then you will find and article by an orthodox theologian Michel Stavrou who speaks about the deified man – maybe it sounds uncommonly but it corresponds with the Bible and many saints have experienced the state of deification. From Saint Simeon the New Theologian we can read how it is when God reveals Himself in a man. Jesus’ words „[..] Just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You, may they also be in Us [..]” (Jn 17:21) are a serious call to strive for such a union.

Together with Winfried Abel in his meditation about St.Brother’s Klauss vision let us not be afraid to look into the live mirror and also let us join Richard Rohr in his prayer to Jesus Crucified "I am you". As usual in this publication, we have received a gift of beautiful images, so let us stop to reflect on them – sometimes an image speaks more than many words.

This issue of „Kas mūs vieno?” is published before Pentecost, so the reflection of Dr. Rowan Williams on "Evangelization and contemplation" is very appropriate. This is his speech in the Synod of Bishops organized by the Roman Catholic Church when he was the head of Anglican Church. And at the end of the issue – patriarch Ignatius IV about the presence of the living breath of Holy Spirit in the Church.

Let us pray for the living breath of Holy Spirit to enter our Churches and our lives so that everybody could gladly say: „I am whole and sound!”

No. 1 / 2014 (12)

Entering the mystery of Jesus

Dear friends! The publication „Kas mūs vieno?” has finished its journey - this is the last issue. As Solomon once said: „There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecc 3:1) During a period of ten years God has offered opportunity to cooperate un create twelve thematic issues. In this issue there is a small retrospect with an opportunity to reflect un pray for the topics of previous issues. This time the speciality is possibility to enjoy colourful images because God's world is full of colours and only our limits make difficult to enjoy it. Some of the images were published in the previous issues as black-and-white images, but now they can been seen in another way and there is something in common with the words of Thomas Aquinas at the very end of his life: "Everything is totally different..."

It seems that this publication has touched the most important topics related to unity with the exception of one – Holy Communion. But what to say about this large mystery? It is a mystery that we can only experience in faith. Jesus said: „Take and eat; this is my body. Then He took a cup saying: Drink from it; all of you.” (Mt 26:26-27) However we say – no, not all of you! Then a cry comes out – why?! Are really our criteria right? It is significantly that the theme of the Prayer Week for Christian Unity in 2014 is Paul's very resembling cry: „Is Christ divided?” (1Cor 1:13)

Questions. Answers. Everybody has its own answer. And Christ’s prayer: „[..] that all of them may be one” (Jn 17:21). Do we really catch His prayer and feel His pain? Are we exactly at this moment open to the work of Holy Spirit, who urges us to listen to God and change ourselves?

This issue has an supplement with a title „Unity, Virtue of Love”. It contains a small part from the messages that all together are called: "True Life in God", and all the messages in this supplement have the theme - unity. If we acknowledge that we miss unity so much, then we have to acknowledge also that we miss love as well – love both towards God and towards our neighbor.

This issue contains also – stories from life, fairy-tales, images. Jesus also talked in parables very often.

Looking back at the process of making up the publication, as the continuation of the introduction in the issue No 12 you will read a reflection by Jean Vanier about chapter 17 –„Entering the mystery of Jesus”, as well as some my reflection about the journey together with the publication „Kas mūs vieno?”.

Wishing every reader to go deeper and deeper into the mystery of Jesus, with a gratitude to all who have participated in making this publication and above all – thanking God, the source of all inspiration,
Anda Done,
Editor of the publication „Kas mūs vieno?”