Our Differences and our Unity

 Reflection on Today’s Readings, Thursday of 7th Week of Easter, June 2nd, 2022

Texts: Acts 22:30; 23:6- 11; Psalm16:1-2a.5.7-11; John 17:20-26

One of the things we must take home today is that we should not allow our differences tear us apart, for there are power and wisdom in unity. Today’s first reading reminds us that our difference is our weakness and could be used against us. Paul, in today’s first reading, used the difference between Pharisees and Sadducees to cause dissension between them. It is said, “But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, ‘Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; with respect to the hope and resurrection of the dead I am on trial.’ And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.” Let us always focus on our unity instead of our differences, so as to protect our communion.  

All of us cannot be the same, we are definitely different and unique individually. Our differences should be seen as blessing and individual contributions to richness of our faith. In the Church we have different spiritual traditions such as Marian tradition, Benedictine tradition, charismatic tradition, etc. There is much to lose when we are divided. The dissension arose between Pharisees and Sadducees made them lose the case against Paul. Dissension has no gain, it only makes people become weak and confused. When we are divided, we lose focus and begin to fight one another.

Today’s gospel reading reminds us that unity among us reveals so much about us and God. It is said, “that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” This means unity introduces us into the life of God, it makes us partakers of divine life, for it is said, “even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us.” Unity it is also a way of witnessing for Jesus as the Christ. By our unity we prove that Jesus is the Christ, the One sent by God to save the world. It is also the manifestation of God’s glory upon us. This is clear in the words: “The glory which you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one”.

Unity among Christians is also a proof that we are enjoying the love of the Father through the Son. Hence, it is said, “that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Psalm 133:1 says, “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” Let us work for unity always and everywhere we find ourselves. Unity reveals our identity and unite us to God.

May your Spirit, O Lord, we pray, imbue us powerfully with spiritual gifts, that he may give us a mind pleasing to you, and graciously conform us to your will. Amen

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke