Thursday, June 15

THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

Two of today's passages discuss the "unity" that we may have as "brothers" and sisters.  In the context of the Church, how does this unity arise?  Naturally or spiritually?

From the very beginnings of the Church, we see the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in convicting people of truth and drawing them unto the feet of Jesus Christ.  While human dedication helped to fan the flame, the Holy Spirit played the key role in the fantastic spread of the Gospel.  And, as we will see in our continued readings in the New Testament, this Church took on a character of unity, according to Paul:  "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:26-29)

Paul urges the Ephesians to maintain this unity by following Christ's example:  "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:1-6)

As I reflected on this great calling, it caused me to wonder why we don't see more unity naturally in the world.  Clearly, there are strong undercurrents of rage throughout our country and world.  We are frustrated by what we cannot control, even as we may control tons of technology.  We have become less tolerant of dissenting points of view, considering them threats.  We have dehumanized people and "humanized" technology (Siri, Alexa, and so forth).  We prefer the "purity" of artificial intelligence over the "messiness" of human relationships. (Proverbs 14:4)

The human heart is soaked in selfishness.  "Unity" and the "bond of peace" certainly don't come naturallly.  For this reason, I believe that we should rejoice in seeing any "unity" or any "peace" among brothers and sisters in Christ.  We won't see perfection, but we will see the work of the Holy Spirit.  And, for that, we may give great praise to God.

Lord Jesus, may You continue sending Your Spirit into our midst so that we may better reflect the unity and bond of peace to which You have called us.  Give us humility to recognize our shortcomings, impatience, and lack of compassion.  Help us to have Your heart of love.  In Your Name, amen.