Perspectief 2014-25

2014-25 Theological reflection 33 Reageer original way to head towards the visible unity of Christians.” 14 In this paragraph I want to demonstrate that this way is based on Taizé’s concept of reconciliation, which starts from ontological communion instead of visible communion. Brother Roger was not willing to choose between the various Christian denominations. He expressed this in his personal ‘creed’: “I have found my own Christian identity by reconciling within myself the faith of my origins with the mystery of the Catholic faith, without breaking fellowship with anyone.” 15 By making three remarks about this spiritual statement of brother Roger, I will explain the relation between communion and Eucharist as viewed by the Taizé community. In paragraph 4.2.2 I will eleborate the role of baptism in this relation. At first, the key concept of the spirituality of brother Roger and the Taizé community is that of reconciliation. Through Christ, people are reconciled with God and with each other. The communion between God and men that becomes visible through this reconciliation does not only then appear, but reappears in its fullness. Likewise, the communion between men reappears. Communion between God and man, and of man with one another, is reestablished in Christ’s salvivic actions and his institution of the Church. Reconciliation is not the establishment of something unprecedented, but the restoration of what was lost. After Chirst, only visible unity between Christians was lost, but not the ontological unity amongst men established by his actions. The Taizé community tries to make this unity visible again. In the shift of focus from visible division toward the ontological unity that is inherent to the nature of the Church as precondition for ecumenical encounter and common worship lies the most significant contribution and originality of brother Roger and the Taizé community. This vision is best summarized in the words of brother Alois: “brother Roger was convinced that such a community could give visible expression to the unity of the Body of Christ, which not only lies before us as a goal, but which already exists in God. The Church is divided, but in its depths it is undivided. In the heart of God it is one. So it is up to us to create places where this unity can emerge and be manifested.” 16 14 Brother Alois, ‘A Passion’, 1. 15 Brother Roger, quoted in brother Alois, ‘A Passion’, 6. 16 Brother Alois, ‘A Passion’, 6.