During this Season of Lent, we are taking a triple approach to our Lenten Journey. First, we invite everyone to commit to the traditional disciplines of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Second, one of our justice committees will offer a weekly reflection focused on different social justice concerns. This week, our Imago Dei Committee is offering a reflection. Third, we will present a weekly meditation on different Christian virtues such as hospitality, Integrity, humility, clarity, unity, and strength, one each week. During the second week of Lent, we are focusing on the virtues of Harmony and Unity.
One of my favorite annual liturgies is our archdiocesan Solidarity Mass. This Mass is celebrated on the last Sunday of September marking the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. On that day, representatives from our different Catholic ethnic communities gather at The Basilica of Saint Mary for a festive celebration. Indigenous chant and blessings are intertwined with Aztec and Vietnamese dancing, Ecuadorian flower offerings, Mexican and Karen singing, Spanish and English readings, Cameroon processions and much more. This Mass is a true celebration of unity in our rich diversity.
Our world, our country, many of our cities, and even some of our homes are suffering due to ever growing divisions based on creed, primary language, skin color, gender, and so much more. We have come to excel at demonizing differences and cultivating divisions. As followers of Christ, we should not allow ourselves to fall into this popular trap. On the contrary, Christ calls on us to be the antidote to these destructive behaviors by striving for harmony and unity with one another.
The Virtue of Harmony
In musical terms, harmony is the simultaneous sounding of two or more different notes, adding depth, color, and emotional texture to a melody. Playing one and the same note, even on different instruments and octaves apart, does not create harmony. Harmony can only be attained with different notes. Harmony among people similarly presumes differences among the people involved and denotes a peaceful equilibrium in our relationships within our families, throughout our wider communities and ultimately with God. This virtue calls upon us to listen attentively, to offer forgiveness generously, and to pursue understanding, particularly when confronted with differing perspectives. Lent serves as a poignant reminder that Christ Himself sought harmony, reconciling humanity to God and instructing us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
The Virtue of Unity
Unity represents the strength and fortitude discovered in shared purpose among different people. When I saw Michelangelo’s famous Pietà for the first time I was struck by the serenity in the faces of Mary and Jesus, but especially in the face of Mary. I expected to see pain and torment, but what I saw was peace and calm. The word Pietà is rooted in the Latin word pietas meaning dutifulness or unity in purpose. Mary’s grief was tempered by her sense of dutifulness and her ability to unite herself with her son’s purpose: the salvation of the world. Rooted in our common purpose as Christians to further the salvation of the world we are to stand united in purpose with Jesus, just as Mary did.
Lenten Opportunities to Seek Harmony and Unity
The Gospel of the Transfiguration which is read on the Second Sunday of Lent invites us to heed God’s command to listen to Jesus, to follow his teachings, to deepen our faith and to seek our own transfiguration with an emphasis this week on striving for unity and harmony.
It is important to note that the virtues of harmony and unity are not merely ideals but are foundational pillars sustaining both our communal and spiritual lives. These virtues, however, are not attained instantaneously. They require patience, humility, and selflessness. Lent affords us the time to cultivate these virtues, to seek reconciliation wherever strife may exist, and to nurture a spirit of unity and harmony within our homes, our cities, our country and the broader world.
As we continue on our Lenten journey, let us entreat the Holy Spirit for guidance, so that, come Easter, we may rejoice not only in the Resurrection of Christ but also in the strengthened bonds of unity and harmony.
Some Suggestions to Cultivate Unity and Harmony
- Practicing Empathy and Understanding: Let’s fully engage with one another so we may understand one another’s perspectives, motivations, and challenges. And let’s avoid gossip and, instead, speak well of one another.
- Finding Common Ground: Let’s focus on our shared humanity, needs, and values instead of concentrating on our differences.
- Participating in Shared Activities: Let’s engage in community, team, or group-based events that bring diverse people together for a common purpose.
- Acknowledging and Respecting Differences: Let’s respect diverse viewpoints and backgrounds rather than demand conformity.
- Cultivating Forgiveness and Grace: Let’s extend grace to others, recognizing shared imperfections and focusing on reconciliation