so that the world may believe

"I greet all the English-speaking visitors present at today's Angelus. During this Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity, let us ask the Lord to grant that all his followers may be one,
so that the world may believe (cf. John 17:20-21).

Venture out of our Christian circle, and the non-believers will bring up
our Christian divisions as proof that Faith is silly. For insight, take a look at this thread of people on the fringes who are looking for a reason to
believe.

If they decided to look into a faith, which one would they
choose? We are responsible for giving them this stumbling block in their
Salvation journey. It seems sure we will have to answer for that.

It is hard to imagine what the world would be like if Jesus' Word
had one voice. Until he returns, as the Pope advises, our duty is to work toward
that vision to make the best use of grace to fulfill Jesus'
prayer.

While necessary ecumenical efforts may go on for lifetimes,
two other faith areas give hope. And in each case, our prayer for them can help
it happen.

The Pope wants us to pray. There still are a few days
left in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

1)
Although I
don’t hear it mentioned much anymore, Faith is a gift. Jesus said "No one can
come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draw him” (John 6:44). We can pray
that in pure mercy, the Father would call again folks that have so far only
found stumbling blocks. Each prayer will tip the scales.

2)
It
still seems right to me that all these denominations, with lesser means of
Salvation, still allow people to pray as they are able. Through circumstance or
ability, perhaps this is the only environment today in which these people can
handle their stage of their journey.

Those that require
understanding, can advance to the Church as they continue their search. As
understanding increases, they are bound in truth to come home.

For those to whom understanding is too difficult, then obedience will serve
them as well. The humility to obey is for everyone in short supply. Through
these 2,000 years innumerable Saints have found faith through obedience alone.
Here also our prayer on their behalf can tip the scales in favor of their
souls.