For the gift of diversity in the Church

Jan 05, 2024

Prayer Prism - Fr Fabian Dicom

At the core of Pope Francis’ plea for prayer for the gift of diversity in the Catholic Church lies a profound dedication to the Gospel’s message of love, unity, and acceptance. This prayer is a humble request for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to open our hearts and minds, urging all of us to actively appreciate the diverse gifts, talents, and cultural richness bestowed by God. It challenges us the faithful to move beyond mere recognition and engage in the active celebration of varied charisms and traditions that contribute to the vibrancy of the Church.

Jesus’ Teaching on Diversity
The call to embrace diversity finds its origins in Jesus’ earthly ministry, marked by a profound inclusivity that defied societal norms. Jesus’ engagements with people from varied backgrounds, such as the Samaritan woman at the well and the healing of the Centurion’s servant, illustrate a radical acceptance of diversity that goes beyond cultural and social conventions. Parables like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son underscore the significance of embracing everyone, irrespective of cultural or societal expectations. Jesus’ teachings offer a model for a Christian community where diversity is celebrated as a reflection of God’s diverse creation, establishing the groundwork for a united and diverse community.

Scriptural Foundations for Unity and Solidarity
The Scriptures consistently advocate for embracing diversity to foster unity and solidarity. In Galatians 3:28, St Paul emphasises oneness in Christ, transcending distinctions of ethnicity, social status, and gender, promoting a community bound by shared faith and love. Paul extends this idea in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, likening the Church to a body with diverse parts, highlighting the interdependence of its members and their unique contributions. In Romans 15:7, Paul underscores the importance of acceptance, urging believers to accept one another as Christ accepted them, ultimately bringing praise to God.

Pope Francis’ Vision on Diversity and Inclusivity
Pope Francis consistently champions a Church that embraces diversity and actively promotes radical inclusivity, anchoring his vision in the Gospel principles of love, mercy, and compassion. Encapsulated in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, the Holy Father envisions a Church that reaches out to the peripheries, welcoming all, fostering a sense of global solidarity that transcends boundaries. Pope Francis initiated the Synod on Synodality, marking a significant shift in the Church’s approach. This synodal process emphasises inclusive decision-making, cultural sensitivity, the amplification of marginalised voices, fostering dialogue, and promoting pastoral flexibility. By embracing these principles, the Church aims to create an environment conducive to embracing diversity.

The Pope’s prayer intention is also an invitation to Catholics to embrace the cultural and liturgical diversity within the Church to enrich their own spiritual journey and foster unity within the global Catholic community. This aligns with the Catholic Church’s recognition of the universality of its message while respecting and celebrating the unique expressions of faith found in different cultures and communities.

Relevance for the Malaysian Church and Society:
In the context of Malaysia, a nation marked by its multicultural and multireligious society, the call to pray for the gift of diversity holds particular significance. Malaysia’s Catholic Church reflects this diversity, comprising members from various ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. Embracing diversity within the Church contributes to fostering unity and understanding within the broader Malaysian society.

The Malaysian Church faces the challenge of navigating ethnic and cultural diversity within its congregations. This prayer intention encourages Malaysian Catholics to appreciate the richness of their collective traditions and charisms, contributing to a harmonious coexistence within the Church and serving as a model for broader societal unity.

Elements of Social Justice: A Necessary Ingredient for Diversity
The call to embrace diversity within the Church is inherently linked to the principles of social justice. Ongoing discussions within the Church encompass gender equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, interfaith dialogue, social justice, economic inequality, and youth engagement. Recognising the dignity and equality of all individuals, regardless of their background, is a foundational aspect of the Church’s commitment to justice. By actively working towards inclusivity, the Church engages in the pursuit of a just and equitable society, mirroring the teachings of Jesus who stood against societal inequalities.

What We Hope for by Praying for Diversity
By earnestly praying for the gift of diversity in the Church, we the faithful are able express hope for a transformed community. The aspiration is for the Holy Spirit to guide individuals and the Church as a whole in recognising and valuing the diverse gifts that each member brings. Through this prayer, may we anticipate the strengthening of bonds, the breaking down of divisive barriers, and the creation of a community where all are seen as equal members of the Body of Christ.

Our Prayer
Gracious and loving God,
We come before you with open hearts,
Grateful for the rich tapestry
of your Church.
In this month of January,
we lift our prayers,
For the gift of diversity
within our Christian community.
May the Holy Spirit guide us,
To recognize the unique charisms,
present in each person,
And help us discover the richness of
different traditions and rituals.
As we pray for unity amid diversity,
May we embrace the teachings of Jesus,
Who welcomed all into His loving embrace,
Seeing each person
as a cherished child of God.
Inspire us to live out the vision
of Pope Francis,
Creating a Church
that transcends boundaries,
Fostering understanding
and mutual enrichment.
May the Malaysian Church and society,
Marked by diverse cultures and religions,
Serve as a testament
to the beauty of unity in diversity.
In your name, we pray,
Amen.

(Fr Fabian Dicom is the National Office Director for Caritas Malaysia.)