How can we practically enjoy the mystery of unity?

The Church Fathers invite us to love one another in order to enjoy the mystery of unity. St. Basil compares the churches in the world to islands and continents, which although they seem isolated from each other, the seas (and oceans) connect them to one another. The seas and oceans of divine and brotherly love bind us together in Christ Jesus, the Head of the Church. Even death cannot isolate those who have fallen asleep from those struggling on earth.

St. Basil says, “The Lord has separated the islands from the mainland by the sea, but He has bound the islanders and the dwellers on the mainland together by charity. Nothing separates us from each other, brethren, unless we by deliberate choice consent to a separation. We have one Lord, one faith, and the same hope. Even if you consider yourselves the head of the Church as a whole, the head is not able to say to the feet: 'I have no need of you.' Or, if you also rank yourselves in any other position among the ecclesiastical members, you are not able to say to us who are in the same body: ‘We have no need of you.’ The hands have need of one another, and the feet support each other, and the eyes possess distinctness of perception by their concerted action.”⁹⁴³

He also says, “Since, therefore, one mind and the attention of one man do not suffice even for a brief time for the comprehension of the splendors of God, he associates with himself all the meek for a participation in this activity. It is necessary, in fact, to achieve complete tranquility from outside confusions, and bringing about an entire silence in the hidden recesses of the heart, thus to devote oneself to the contemplation of the truth.”⁹⁴⁴

St. Jacob of Serugh calls on the soul to stay in the church in the spirit of love, saying: “The Bridegroom comes down to see the bride who is betrothed to Him! O soul, remain in

941 St. Basil of Caesarea, Letter 70 (FOTC 13:168–169).

942 St. Basil of Caesarea, Letter 90 (FOTC 13:200).

943 St. Basil of Caesarea, Letter 203 (FOTC 28:68).

944 St. Basil of Caesarea, Homilies on the Psalms 32 (33).3 (FOTC 46:253).

the bridal chamber so that He may see you. Do not leave bridal chamber, for the King comes down to see you bearing riches from His Father's house … remain with Him, because if He comes and does not see you, He will be angry.”