God’s Hand Over Division

June 2, Thursday, the Seventh Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 Gospel: John 17:20-26

Jesus transcends all human divisions and calls us to proclaim and pray for unity.

Everywhere, anywhere, there is always division. And this is a reality. Families, communities, friends, and employees are in pain because of divided concerns, advocacies, and personalities. And sometimes, you become a victim, or even an adversary, amid this conflict.

In today's First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul felt the division between the Pharisees and the Sadducees when he mentioned that he was hoping for the resurrection of the dead. "When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the group became divided." But the Lord stood by him and lifted him, saying: "Take courage.

Similarly, in the Gospel, Jesus prayed for His disciples that they would not be divided among themselves and have disputes against each other. If the disciples are one, then that is their testimony that Jesus indeed sent them. I pray not only for these but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you...."

Therefore, as a family, or even as a community, Jesus wants us to put our acts together in the name of love. He prayed: "I made known to them your name, and I will make it known that the love you loved me may be in them and them."

Such love from God is the very core and the sheer strength of coming together as a family, as a community, hence, becoming one in the name of Jesus. Without Jesus, there is no unity. But with Jesus, we can become one. And that is our hope.

Following the readings' spirit today, we pray: "Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope."