Readings: Acts 22:30,23:6-11, Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-11, John 17:20-26
“I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee.” (John 17:20-21)
In its first few years, Christianity was not distinct from Judaism. Christians and Jews worshipped side by side in Jewish synagogues. Paul visited these synagogues in every town he visited during his missionary journeys. In some places, he was accepted (converting whole assemblies of Jews to Christianity), but in other places, Paul was chased out, beaten or imprisoned. Apart from the Gentile converts, a large number of those who embraced Christianity were Jews who believed that Jesus was truly the long-awaited Messiah, but those who didn’t believe felt threatened and sought ways to end the spread of Christianity among Jews. However, in their attempt to stop Jews from converting to Christianity in their numbers, the Jewish authorities suffered many setbacks. One of such setbacks was their lack of unity. This brings us to our lessons today:
1. The Christian Life Is A Cross: When he was about to depart from Ephesus, Paul prophesied: “The Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me.” (Acts 20:23). The more Christlike you are, the more enemies you will have; do not expect life to go smoothly. Challenges must come, but do not be afraid because each will be a stepping stone to greatness. When you feel surrounded by enemies, and all hope is gone, pray Today’s Psalm: “Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.” (Psalm 16). Jesus never promised a problem-free life for his followers. He only promised to be there when you face trials: “Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:17-20). The Holy Spirit told Paul exactly what to say, and when he said it, his enemies started fighting themselves.
2. If We Are Divided, We Cannot Stand: When Jesus was accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, Jesus said: “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand; and if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?” (Matthew 12:25-26). Every kingdom (nation, church, family, school, company, class, etc.) divided against itself (whether it is a kingdom of light or darkness) is doomed. What did Paul say that turned his enemies against themselves? “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; concerning the hope and the resurrection of the dead, I am on trial.” (Acts 23:6). Both Sadducees and Pharisees are Jews, but they are not united in doctrines. While Sadducees do not believe in the resurrection of the dead, the Pharisees do. Can you now see that when Christians of different denominations fight over doctrines, it only makes the devil happy?
3. Be Wise As Serpents And Innocent As Doves: By siding with the Pharisees and bringing up the issue of resurrection, Paul applied the principle of “Divide And Rule.” Paul knew this was their weak point and used it against them. Although Jesus describes us as sheep amid wolves (we are in the world, but the world hates us because we don’t belong to this world), He advised us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (cf. Matthew 10:16). The fact that the world hates you does not mean you should freely give them your head to cut. Faith is not a replacement for common sense but an added weapon in your arsenal. Make use of your reasoning faculties while surrendering everything to God in prayer. If we didn’t need a brain, God would have removed it on the day of our baptism.
4. Christian Unity Must Be Horizontal And Vertical: Today’s Gospel passage is a part of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. Knowing that a disunited church would be an easy prey for the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy (cf. John 10:10), Jesus prayed that “that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as thou hast loved me.” (John 17:22-23). In this prayer, Jesus highlighted the horizontal (“that they may be one even as we are one”) and vertical (oneness with God: “I in them and thou in me”) dimensions of Christian unity. It is not enough that we are united among ourselves; we must also be united with God. Jesus also adds that the world’s appreciation of Christianity depends on the existence of this unity. In other words, disunity is a scandal to non-Christians, and just as Paul exploited the Jewish disunity, disunity among us means we are at the mercy of our enemies.
Let us pray: Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Thursday of the 7th week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 22:30,23:6-11, Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-11, John 17:20-26).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu