Many of you reading this are citizens of the United States. By "united," we do not mean that most people agree with each other or with the government. Moreover, "United" does not mean that we love or serve each other. "United" means that all the states accept a certain national political system.
However, by Jesus' standards, "United" means that we are graced to be one as Jesus and the Father are One (Jn 17:21-22). "United" means living in Jesus and He in us (Jn 17:23). "United" means being temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19) and having the Triune God live within us. "United" means being members of the body of Christ and being baptized into His body, the Church (1 Cor 12:12-13).
Are you "united" like the United States, or are you united like the Holy Trinity? Of course, it is impossible for us to have Trinity-unity by our human powers, but the Holy Spirit will give us this divine unity, as He did at the first Pentecost (Acts 2:7-11; Eph 4:3; 1 Cor 12:13).
Receive the Holy Spirit; receive a divine, Trinity-unity with God, spouse, family, brothers and sisters in Christ, and even enemies. Then the world will believe (Jn 17:21).
| PRAYER: | Father, may I even be willing to die for unity (see Jn 11:51-52). |
| PROMISE: | "That night the Lord appeared at Paul's side and said: 'Keep up your courage!' " –Acts 23:11 |
| PRAISE: | Martin and Rosa celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary. Using the gifts of the Spirit, they have ministered the love of Jesus to many during their married life. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College