Thursday of the 7th Week of Easter: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Theme: PERFECT UNITY: THE PRAYER OF JESUS
(John 17:20–26)
Jesus prays that His disciples may be one. He desires that their oneness may be like that which exists between Him and His Father. He wills that they become perfectly one.
Where such unity exists, there is no room for selfishness, envy, jealousy, and greed. In a perfectly united society, everyone is bonded together in love. Functions may differ, roles may be different, charisma may vary, perspectives may not be exact, but the goal is one. There is understanding, people carry one another along (Onyeaghalanwanneya). People pursue a common end.
Jesus knew the importance of unity among these individuals He chose from different backgrounds. He wished that they preach same doctrine and not contradictory messages. He wished that they may remain sound together and not heretical. Though they have different levels of understanding, Jesus desired that the central message be one. Thus, thinking of the other and calling the other to order became very necessary. But these must be done in love and sacrifice.
For unity to be actualized, every member of the family, society or organization, as the case may be, must detest discord, anarchy and chaos. A good number of persons seem to merry in crisis. They are the problems to unity. Christ prays against the evil in such persons.
Let us all be promoters of unity wherever we find ourselves. Let us treat everyone as one. Let’s treat all as one with us. Let’s treat one another as one with God, created in the image and likeness of God. Let the central Government of the Church carry the entire body of Christ as One, Holy, Catholic and the Apostolic it is supposed to be. Let there be unity among priests and bishops. Let there be unity among the faithful. Let unity reign between the father and mother. Let what the father is saying be what the mother says in good standing with the will of God. Let the children see each other as one, coming from same womb.
Let the prayer of Christ for unity make meaning for the central government of the countries of the world. Let the government at the centre carry the East, West, North and South along as one. This is the only solution to insecurity, agitations and disunity. O yes! Let the things that unite us surpass the ones that separate us from one another.
Let the prayer of Christ for perfect unity move us to work in accordance with the will of God for us and remain one with Him and one another.
LET US PRAY
Oh God, we thank You for today. Keep us one with You, with Your Church, in the Sacraments and with one another. May we promote unity wherever we are. Let the common good keep us together and grant that we may be united with You in heaven at last through Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless your Thursday (Easter, Week 7)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh