A Charism of Unity and Communion

Chiara Lubich 1950

The Focolare Movement: Spiritual Writings of the Founder

Class discussion 12 November 2015
Participants: Augostine Ekeno, Sebastine Bulla, Michael Trimble

Reading assignment: 

Chiara Lubich, Essential Writings: Spirituality Dialogue Culture. 1st American ed. New York: New City Press, 2007 [ISBN: 978-1565482593].

Discussion:

There was a consensus among the three of us that unity and communion are the two central themes that run through all of Chiara’s writings in this volume, since all the writings are in fact based on the Spirituality of Unity. As Chiara herself noted, in spite of the tensions, wars and other evils of our age, the world is still moving toward unity and consequently peace (12). Humanity has entered a new era of a global village “inviting us all to become a single family” (xvii). So humanity’s longing for unity and peace is a sign of the times. Jesus himself in his farewell discourse prayed for unity, “That they may be one” (Jn.17:21), a phrase that has become the basis for several ecumenical movements in the world to day. The Focolare Movement also centers its life and activity on Jesus’ prayer for unity. Its Spirituality of Unity is focused primarily on uniting individuals, groups, cities and nations seeking to eliminate all discrimination and creating a united world. It is lived, not only by individuals, but also by groups- the communitarian dimension of this spirituality. Chiara describes this spirituality as a new way of life that is Gospel-based, embracing parallel values present in other faiths and diverse cultures.

Our first discussion was on “Mary in the Focolare Movement.” Mary’s relationship to the Movement is understood in terms of the image of Mary in the Church as portrayed in the Gospels. Members of the movement are to see in themselves the possibility of becoming a little Mary, of becoming similar to her (43). In fact the whole Focolare Movement is named the “Work of Mary” because it is considered to be a living rosary. Members are the living beads of a rosary, who in reciting the rosary, give praise to Mary whom they try to imitate. Mary was the first and ardent disciple of Christ and so is our perfect model of discipleship. She is considered as a door that leads to Christ; imitating her becomes the main goal of all members. Jesus entrusted us to the care of Mary at the foot of the cross to be our Mother; so we can turn to Mary in times of difficulty and trials.

Peter Paul Rubens' Assumption of the Virgin (1612-17)

In “The Charism of Unity and the Arts,” Chiara takes up a theme already expressed in many ways by other people, the idea of beauty as a transcendental reality and a good with unique spiritual character. The beauty created by artists expresses something in the human soul that lives beyond the individual.  A great work of art like the “Assumption of the Virgin” by Peter Paul Rubens in the 17th century has been treasured by people of all ages. For Chiara, the artist creative work can be an effective means of evangelization. Just as saints can show God to humanity, artists likewise can show God to humanity in a number of ways not only in beauty which is a taste of God, but also indirectly by showing what the human soul can produce in a great work of art. She maintains that the artist is in many ways is like a philosopher. The creative vision in composing such a work of art is much like presenting a philosophical argument.

The other topic of discussed was the “Holy Spirit, the unknown God.” Chiara describes the Holy Spirit as the soul of the Mystical Body of Christ (143). She tells us to turn to the Holy Spirit, the unknown God, as did Mary for spiritual assistance and consolation. In our discussion, we acknowledged that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, is often forgotten or neglected. For instance, one of the reasons some people have left the Catholic Church for Pentecostal Churches especially in Africa, is due to what they often describe as the absence of the Holy Spirit in the Church. African cultures have great respect for spirits. They wrestle with issues of people being possessed by the spirits. There is great longing for healing ministry especially in the area of exorcism. The Charismatic Renewal Movement with its emphasis on the Holy Spirit has been a great help in this regard. They Charismatics are really a blessing in responding to this great need that was obviously missing in the Church. Many have turned to them to fulfill their aspirations.

“Being a family” is another topic we discussed. Chiara in a message addressed to the members on December 25, 1973 stressed the need of being family. This is to be placed above every work of the Movement. She gave concrete examples of how to build family- showing understanding to those suffering from spiritual or moral trials, caring for those in pain or for the dying, sharing in the success of others, etc. The theme of unity and communion is being emphasized. This message is very relevant especially in the western culture where individualism is the common lifestyle.

The poem “Living Life” deals with the dynamics of Christian living. The human spirit is made for love, so all human beings naturally thirst for companionship. This thirst for companionship is even more intense at moments of difficulty or detachment, like when one is bereaved. Life can be so lonely during those times. However, when a soul gives itself to Christ sincerely to God, then the sorrow begins to disappear and unexpected horizons begin to open. The thirst for companionship is thirst for unity which is inherent in every human person.

“Persons in Communion” is an address by Chiara to the New Families Movement in 1987. The first part of this address focuses on “Christ the teacher.”  Parents as first teachers of their children ought to learn to be good teachers after Christ himself. Children are first of all sons and daughters of God and should be treated, not as possession, but as people entrusted to our care.  Like Christ, they are to be good examples for their children by putting into practice what they ask of them. This is very important especially these days when parents are very busy and often don’t spend much time with their children. Some parishes have created ways to encourage parents’ involvement in the formation of their children, but this continues to be a big problem. Parents sometimes have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, and so have little time left to be with their children. The education of children is so essential and should be given a priority by parents, no matter what the circumstances may be.

Mike, Sabastine & Augustine reading to discuss the Focolare charism

Our consensus:

Generally, we came to conclusion that the world needs the Spirituality of Unity. A lot of people are living in loneliness. There are tensions and wars between nations. There is discrimination, racism, and all forms of divisions among individuals, groups and nations. Our world is in need of rediscovering and reestablishing unity and peace. There is great need for unity and peace among families and nations. The Movement’s Spirituality of Unity is relevant in the world today for fostering and promoting such unity and peace among peoples and nations.

Individualism is one of  the root causes of divisions and tensions because people or groups usually have different ideologies and if the focus is on their differences rather than on what unites them, then you are bound to have divisions and tensions. But no one can survive on their own alone. We have to depend on one another for survival. Even the food we eat, it is not produced in the grocery stores but on the farms by human beings. Even at the global level, when one of the oil countries has a problem, it affects the prices of oil globally. The whole world is interconnected and each person or nation has to depend on the other for survival. That is why we have to approach issues like comprehensive immigration reform with great sensitivity.

So no matter the differences, we must learn to work together for peace and harmony. As Chiara herself noted, we must be open to the Holy Spirit leading us to accept one another. This of course is only obtainable through extensive dialogue.

Summary by Sebastine Bulla

Chiara Lubich, 2000