We don’t have to look very hard in our world today to see division and dischord tearing at the fabric of our relationships. The same dynamics were happening in the letter to the Corinthians, and St. Paul gives us some practical tips for fostering the hard work of unity in the name of Jesus Christ.
As doubt and division surround Jesus in the Gospel of John, we recognize the presence of division in our lives and throughout the world today. Wherever we find ourselves isolated and at odds with one another, may we draw near to the Lord and ask for his grace to bring unity and peace.
The Lord speaks of division – even within families – in the Gospel today. Why? Because in the end all of us will have to choose a path in life, either leading us to God or casting us away.
John’s Gospel offers a glimpse at the division that occurs among the crowd – all who are trying to figure out who Jesus is – as doubt, isolation and discord rise to the surface. Division is part of our human experience; in light of today’s reading we have the opportunity to consider how we work to unite with one another in a spirit of peace.