Sometimes we look at our world, we listen to the news and there seems to be so much division and conflict. Jesus’ statement that “The Father and I are one,” stands out in stark contrast. Because you see, Unity is the primary hallmark of God, the Trinity, the relationship between Father, Son and Spirit. Disunity seems to be the hallmark of our own human relationships. It seems every time we read look around, there is division, hatred, conflict, gossip and hostility.
Nation against nation, race against race, culture against culture, individual against individual, husband against wife, brothers against sisters, parents against children, and even Christian against Christian. In the midst of this hatred and conflict, Jesus declares that Unity and Oneness must define our relationship with God, and with each other.
From the very beginning Jesus offered the world a chance to unite as one, bringing “every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues” into one united body of love. People who previously would have had little or nothing to do with one another are made ONE in Christ. And Jesus did not do this by making the Gentile, Jewish, nor by forcing the Jew to become like the Gentile. Rather, he brought this unity by making of the two, one new being. When you put your faith in Christ, you become citizens of a New Kingdom, if you allow God’s love to truly transform you.
You see, Jesus’ distinguishing characteristic of unity offers hope of peace to a world of fractured relationships, conflicts and disagreement. But, the world can only learn of this reality of unity, by observing the unity that exists within his body. Unfortunately, too often the way Christians relate to one another is often more of a scandal than a testimony of this hope.
I believe that the roots of this disunity are planted in fear, nourished by pride and self-righteousness, gossip and rumor. In disunity our gaze is focused primarily on the differences of others and upon the supposed perfection of our own position. However, the roots of unity are planted by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Father’s love, and Jesus’ passion for all.
My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. The Father and I are one.
Are we listening? Do you take the time out to listen to the voice of Jesus in prayer and liturgy? Can you hear the voice of Jesus coming through others, instruments of his love and concern, especially those closest to us, even though they may be different?
Will we follow the Good Shepherd together, or perish in our conflicts and divisions?
Nation against nation, race against race, culture against culture, individual against individual, husband against wife, brothers against sisters, parents against children, and even Christian against Christian. In the midst of this hatred and conflict, Jesus declares that Unity and Oneness must define our relationship with God, and with each other.
From the very beginning Jesus offered the world a chance to unite as one, bringing “every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues” into one united body of love. People who previously would have had little or nothing to do with one another are made ONE in Christ. And Jesus did not do this by making the Gentile, Jewish, nor by forcing the Jew to become like the Gentile. Rather, he brought this unity by making of the two, one new being. When you put your faith in Christ, you become citizens of a New Kingdom, if you allow God’s love to truly transform you.
You see, Jesus’ distinguishing characteristic of unity offers hope of peace to a world of fractured relationships, conflicts and disagreement. But, the world can only learn of this reality of unity, by observing the unity that exists within his body. Unfortunately, too often the way Christians relate to one another is often more of a scandal than a testimony of this hope.
I believe that the roots of this disunity are planted in fear, nourished by pride and self-righteousness, gossip and rumor. In disunity our gaze is focused primarily on the differences of others and upon the supposed perfection of our own position. However, the roots of unity are planted by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Father’s love, and Jesus’ passion for all.
My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. The Father and I are one.
Are we listening? Do you take the time out to listen to the voice of Jesus in prayer and liturgy? Can you hear the voice of Jesus coming through others, instruments of his love and concern, especially those closest to us, even though they may be different?
Will we follow the Good Shepherd together, or perish in our conflicts and divisions?
No comments:
Post a Comment