Emphasising the things that unite us

This passage from the Acts of the Apostles says, ‘…Some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ (Acts 15:1-2, 22-29).  These words call to mind the need we have to be careful not to play God. They go further to remind us that we ought to attract souls to God and to the Community of believers, through Christian love which unites. We must not scatter by making things difficult and impossible for others. The words of the Apostles and the elders, with the whole early Church, remain relevant to us as pilgrims at this point in time. Mark how those who caused the confusion were described to the early believers  ‘…we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions… It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements…if you keep yourselves from these, you will do well…’ (Acts 15:22-29).

Beloved people of God, we have more things that unite us. These need to be emphasised rather than insisting on things that divide us. Disobedience and not love is the major source of disunity, division and dissension. The Devil, Satan, that Ancient Enemy is the cause of disunity. He is the leader of dissidents. He has no love and can neither grant unity nor peace. Our Blessed Lord promises peace. He gives peace ‘not as the world gives, do I give to you’ (cf. Jn 14:23-29).

We pray to accept what John reveals, ‘…I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb… the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. It is God that matters! Peace, faith, unity and love lead to him.

                                Fr. Ted