Sunday 2nd
June, 2019. Read Acts 7:55-60, Psalm 97, Revelations
22:12-20 and 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… that they may be
one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become
perfectly one.” (John 17:20-23)*_
As we prepare to receive the Holy Spirit next Sunday, our
readings today challenge to one all-important virtue: unity. When we look
deeper into this concept of unity, we discover it is like a tree that has several
branches such as oneness amongst us, care for others who are not of the same
flock, praying for others, being tolerant of other people’s views and forgiving
others as quickly as possible.
Apart from encouraging us to be united, our readings today also
spell out the dangers of disunity by presenting the story of Stephen who was
killed simply because he engaged in an argument over matters of doctrine and
faith with the Jews. To this day, Christians continue to fight and kill one
another over these doctrinal arguments and issues of faith.
As Jesus prayed for unity, he added a phrase: “so that the world
may believe thou has sent me.” This means that when Christians are not united,
the world finds it difficult to believe that Jesus is truly God. Honestly, disunity among Christians is truly a scandal. A few weeks ago, I was listening to
the radio while driving to early morning Sunday Mass and the matter of
discussion on air was: “Why is it that all Christians are using the same bible
yet they never agree among themselves?”
What causes disunity among Christians? How can we begin to mend the
wounds already created by this grave scandal? These are some of the lessons we
shall be considering today.
*One: We Must Learn to Celebrate One Another’s Gifts not outshine
Them.*
Envy is the feeling of discontent or resentful longing aroused
by someone else’s possession, qualities or luck. Envy is one the cardinal sins,
others being pride, greed, lust, gluttony, wrath and sloth. Envy is the number
one killer of unity among Christians. Once we begin to feel uneasy with others
just because of their gifts and talents, once we can no longer celebrate others
we fall into the pit of disunity.
Even though Stephen was ordained to serve at tables, he some special
gifts. He could work miracles and wonders and he knew the scriptures very well.
(In a movie I saw about the early Christians, Stephen was the one who taught
Peter the fisherman how to read). Some men from the synagogue of Freedmen, from
Cilicia and Asia arose and disputed with Stephen but they could not withstand
the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Instead of them to recognise the
presence of the Holy Spirit in him, they secretly instigated men to lie against
him saying: “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
Is this behaviour not characteristic of Christians today? Dear
friends bear in mind that we cannot all have the same gifts. As St. Paul explains:
“God has appointed
in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of
miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of
tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work
miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all
interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:28-31). Celebrate the gifts of others. This way, you
too will discover and explore yours as well.
*Two: Stop Trying to Win Arguments, Win Souls Instead.*
I always feel sad when I see two Christians arguing over matters
of doctrine and faith with each trying, by all means, possible to prove the other
wrong. That is when you hear Christians quoting the Bible vigorously and
vehemently. If the only time you remember the Bible is when you want to “fight”
with your fellow Christian, then the Bible has lost its real meaning and value
for you. If Stephen had known what awaited him, I am sure he would have not
engaged in that doctrinal argument.
Hear me, the Bible was written by humans just like us but
inspired by the Holy Spirit. It was copied, recopied and transferred from place
to place over a long period of time in the course of which there were
alterations, spelling errors and a bunch of unintended “human factor” in these
texts. Apart from that, it was humans who compiled the particular texts from
among the thousands of sacred texts available and called it the Bible. So to
argue as though the Bible fell down from heaven is very wrong.
Stop trying to be right. Love others instead. Love will win more
souls than attempting to change the doctrinal opinions of others. Preach
against sin and evil not against another person’s church. You gain nothing when
you go about condemning other people’s church as though you are Jesus Christ
himself. Realize that what you hold true right now may not be true ultimately. Once
upon a time, people thought the world was flat and were ready to die in defence
of this fact but don’t we know better today?
*Three: Pray and Work for Others Who Do Not Attend Your Church.*
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus did something really
remarkable, he prayed for those “who believe in me through their word that they
may all be one.” When last did I catch myself praying for other Christians? By
praying for unity, Jesus used his position as the Son of God in favour of
Christians. He prayed that just as He is united with God the Father in love,
Christians may be united in love. Do I use my position and authority in society
to work for my fellow Christian?
Three years ago, I saw an article written by a Christian convert
who analysed how Christians occupying high profile positions of power in this
country are being wicked to their fellow Christians for refusing to bring
their faith to bear in several key decisions. The article which has proven to
be prophetic referred to such Christians as “useful idiots.” I find it
thrilling to realize that the first official assignment of our President after
being sworn in a second tenure was to attend the meeting of the Organisation of
Islamic Countries whereas you see Christians in power championing the doctrine
of secularism, failing to build churches, failing to return schools to the
missions, failing to allow Christ to influence key political decisions. I weep. I mourn
for them.
Let it not be that you are simply in politics to enrich
yourself. Stop acting as if you are ashamed of Jesus Christ your Lord and
Saviour. In whatever capacity you find yourself, use your position to
Christianize the nation and stop wailing about those trying to Islamize/’Fulanize’
it. If they succeed, your wealth and power will be useless. Our roads are no
longer safe to travel because kidnappers have built permanent abodes in every
creek and corner yet we have Christians in power who are thinking only about
themselves and their immediate family.
*Four: The Holy Spirit is Coming Soon.*
In today’s second reading John repeats the “I am coming soon.” We
would benefit much from it if we read it in the context of our expectation of
the Holy Spirit in a few days from now. This implies that we do what the
reading says: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the
right to the tree of life.” Brothers and Sisters, this is the time to repent,
this is the time to wash from impurities and attachment to sin and evil,
this is the time for us go for confession, to awaken our prayer life, daily
meditation and close communion with God.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, use me as your instrument of unity.
Amen.
Happy Sunday. Be Happy. Live
Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (7th Sunday
of Easter. Year C. Bible Study: Acts 7:55-60,
Psalm 97, Revelations 22:12-20 and John 17:20-26).
No comments:
Post a Comment