The beginning of the St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians gratefully acknowledges the power of God’s grace to empower and unite us together, offering a beautiful reflection for our lives today.
The readings proclaim how God reaches out to all people, regardless of ethnicity, language or culture. As sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father, we have the opportunity today to unite together through our attitude and effort.
COVID-19 taught us about the challenges of isolation, loneliness, anxiety and fear; the recent riots have brought to light the undercurrents of anger, hatred and opportunism. Our path forward must consider the need for unity…something that lies at the heart of the Most Holy Trinity.
The contrast between the unity that Christ prays for and the uproar around St. Paul reveals our constant need to seek out ways to grow closer together through the love of God.
“The community of believers was of one heart and mind,” and their example – powered by their faith in the Risen Lord – inspires us to draw together as we face the challenges and obstacles in our lives today.
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.
The Samaritan who was healed from his leprosy by Jesus now draws near to the Lord in gratitude. May we look for Christ’s presence in our lives and swiftly respond as we grow closer to the Lord and one another.
The readings this Sunday both challenge and console us to foster unity, endure discipline, and focus on the Kingdom of Heaven. While life will not be easy, God will give us what need for the journey.