Peace and Unity

Today’s Gospel Text:  "I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world has not known thee, but I have known thee; and these know that thou hast sent me. 26 I made known to them thy name, and I will make it known, that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." John 17:20-26

Reflection: Peace and unity are a great value to strive for; an effort made in many circles to bring humans together on a common platform. .

One could lead to another and hence the goals too may differ according to ones priorities in life; if someone is peace oriented then they will seek that peace by bringing people together or if they are unity oriented then they will work towards actions of unity in order to achieve peace.

Or they may persevere in either directions of peace and unity with confused orientations.

What are the things that create division in society? Though these are not easy questions that can be answered for the many that come to the debating table with their minds set and their conclusions already arrived at.

Since many of these, who are in the forefront, are clear in their heads about that one goal and vision which is either Unity or Peace, they will act with fanatical zeal to curb any action which they think are detrimental towards peace and unity.

It is a short sighted vision that they have and usually look towards the immediate good of society and self and therefore crush any opposition towards their limited knowledge and ideologies.

Sometimes nations and even some of its laws are also aimed in the same direction and are short sighted on achieving lasting peace and unity.  They will curb anything that they think is an affront to achieving a myopic peace and unity.

Unfortunately, this happens in the church of God too, in many of its decision making, and it is a serious issue which needs to be addressed immediately.

You cannot have an agenda for peace and unity without basing it on a solid and time tested foundation of Truth, the ultimate truth does not originate from the humans.

Since the truth of the gospel teaches us that there can be no peace and unity among humans with their human agenda, even if it is based on Gods word. 

Therefore, as we can see from a close reading of the gospel passage;  Jesus; the truth of God revealed (Jn.14:6) prays that we may find that unity in him. Jesus is the beginning and end of all unity and in him we have peace. 

Prayer: Unite us in your name O Lord Jesus Christ that we may find the peace that truly comes from you.

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