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Apse Mosaic of St. Paul’s Outside the Wall

 As I reflect on Ecumenical and interreligious movements in Rome after having visited Churches dedicated to two great pillars of Christianity : St Paul and St. Peter, the patron saints of Rome, I can only ponder on their remarkable witness to Chrisitanity. Long before modern ecumenical movements, Paul was already living this spirit of unity. Through God's grace, he cultivated dialogue; dialogue to different beliefs and cultures spreading Christianity to the Mediterranean world, a journey which culminated in Rome; Paul resolutely proclaimed Christ and laid the foundations of a universal Church. 

Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Interestingly, I had the opportunity to visit Malta before beginning this course. What a delight it was to discover its ancient archeology and historical heritage. From megalithic temples of Malta (the oldest in the world) to the Bonze age, Roman rule, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, the Knights of Saint John, Ottomans, French occupation, and British rule, Malta has witnessed many civilizations, cultures, and beliefs.

Ħaġar Qim Archaeological Site

Dwejra Tower

Amongst the many historical stories, Malta preserves the memory of St Paul's encounter of the island out of a shipwreck accident as described in the Acts of the Apostles. Although Paul was as a prisoner destined for Rome, the local inhabitants (pagans in Scripture) showed him "unusual kindness". Such an encounter highlights the hospitality, healing, humble service and true communication. Paul's time on the island culminates with great fellowship and the locals provided him with many gifts along his journey. 

St Paul's Island

The people of Malta did not see Paul as a condemned prisoner or murderer of Rome deserving God's curse. Instead, after seeing a miraculous survival from the viper's bite and the healing of many sick locals, they recognized God's presence working through him. How extraordinary and fruitful this must have been to receive such an unexpected guest and witness of Christ, including the hospitality from the locals who accompanied Paul to his departure in all generosity. 

Christ himself was foundational to Paul's journey. This metanoia from Saul to Paul, where Christ guided him throughout his journeys, including Paul's life became a testimony to God's love manifested in love and service for others and seeking unity. Paul's theology sought continuity with Jewish tradition while fully embracing the Gentile world making way for God's Salvific plan. 

Similarly, Peter encounter with Cornelius at Caesarea reveals God's plan for unity. Peter brought the Good News to the Gentiles, who received the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers. What incredible stories of openness and inclusion through the grace of God offered by both Patron Saints of Rome.

Such stories remind us that faith is not something we give to others rather it is a gift that we ourselves receive from God. Such stories invite us to ask why so many divisions continue to persist when Jesus himself showed an inclusive vision. Let us remind ourselves that Christ taught without doctrine rather he preached by example and self-giving love. Of course this did not come in easily. The First Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) narrates tensions that existed between Jews and Gentiles. Yet it was the Holy Sprint who guided the early Church to become a universal church in full communion with other Christians. 

Today I can only reflet on how the word of God was manifest already depicting an image of the body of Christ by means of the kerygma, this early proclamation of the Gospel. This proclamation was fully expressed during Christian initiation, where all believers are united in Christ by way of Baptism : water poured in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. This common baptism remains of the deepest foundations of Christian unity. Such unity of the early Church also became a witness to the world through the blood of the martyrs on Roman Soil 

May we continue to contemplate a living Church; one who commemorate the deceased, one who embraces those today and the future generation yet to come. Together we form one pilgrim, a people of God journeying toward the city of God as described by Saint Augustine. This journey begins with personal healing and conversion, an encounter with Christ that opens to others. Authentic humanism reaches its fullness in Christ. Baptism alone is not enough unless it leads us into a living relationship with God, allowing us, like Jesus, to cry out, "Abba, Father."

Finally, Salvation in Christ is not exclusive to any Christian. Our kerygma defines that we are witnesses of Christ living in us. Let us reflect on an ecclesiology founded on Communion (Koinonia - κοινωνία) - a Church understood as the people of God, pilgrims on earth, enlightened by Christ, the Light of the Nations (Lumen Gentium). This does not mean a mere revival of the church but a true age of 'Christian enlightenment' such that through the living Christ, the light of the World, may we be united as one human family.

Maranatha

View of Valletta from Sliema