RevivaLent 2018 - #39

Revive you commitment to Unity! 

Saturday, 5th week in Lent: 24 March, 2018

Ezek 37: 21-28; Jn 11: 45-56

When I had the privilege serving in a Catechetical Centre, we had a practice of going around places during the lenten days with a team of people, putting up an hour long programme on the passion of Christ. I would consider that a moment of pride and never miss out on the opportunity of introducing the volunteer team, when the time comes. And of it, I would make a very special mention of a particular person in the team! The person is a brother in Christ from a Pentecostal Church! We had another person, in fact a pastor, from a mainline non catholic church. And our team is a Catholic organisation!

The readings today seem to give us a clue to understand the mission of the Son of God. As he himself announces, it is to gather into one all the dispersed children of God, dispersed geographically, spiritually, economically, politically and in every other way. Jesus seems to be the son of David, promised in all eternity to gather not merely the two nations (Judah and Israel), but all dispersed children of God into one. 

We are called to be agents of unity and harmony, uniting people in love and building a humanity that is joyful. If we are against such unity, even though merely in thought or merely in single instances, we are not in line with the mission of the Saviour. He would say, 'if you don't gather with me, you scatter!' (cf. Lk 11:23; Mt 12:30). 

It is saddening to see some, even within the Church and within the category of being the shepherds of the flock, spreading division and hatred. How hypocritical of those persons to call themselves people of God, much worse, shepherds of the people of God! The Spirit of Christ unites and if I have the Spirit within me, i have to unite! 

How much am I ready to do, by way of bringing true peace, harmony and love, wherever I am? Let us revive our commitment to unity!