Daily Reflections ...

The goal of unity whether it be in our families, our neighborhood, our faith community, our nation, or our world seems far-fetched or at most transitory as conflicts, grievances, and brokenness emerge so quickly and are so difficult to resolve through listening, seeking forgiveness and healing our relationships. We seem to find it far easier to be estranged than to be united and at peace with one another.

Jesus, in his prayer for his disciples, recognises that we are unable to create and sustain unity in our relationships by our own efforts. The power that Jesus offers us is ‘the glory that you (The Father) have given me’. If we let ourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit, the richness, variety and diversity of our humanity do not become a source of conflict, but instead, become a point of enrichment.

As we approach Pentecost, let us implore the Spirit to be unleashed so that the many divisions, hurts and hatred that plagues our world can be transformed into unity, healing, and love. This reversal is beyond our human capacity to achieve but relies on the grace and power of God’s glory to sow peace and unity in generous hearts desirous of being one with each other.

“It is not enough to be unanimous in understanding the Gospel, but it is necessary that all believers are united to Christ and in Christ. In doing so, we can recognise ourselves as brothers and sisters who believe in the one Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is both personal conversion and conversion as a community, to conformity with Christ which allow us to grow in communion among ourselves.” (Pope Francis General Audience 13 October 2016)

May our hearts cry out today: May we all be one in Christ. Amen.

by Mike Humphrys