one comes after two
"The two shall be made into one." —Ephesians 5:31
We all desire unity in marriage, family, friendships, Church, and life. Jesus even died for us to become one (Jn 11:51-52). In one Spirit, we have been baptized into one body (1 Cor 12:13). Jesus is praying that we would be one as He and the Father are One (Jn 17:21).
For us to be one with God and with each other, we need love. We need husbands who show us how Jesus loved by giving Himself up for us (Eph 5:25). To be one, we need to be submissive to one another out of the fear of Christ (Eph 5:21). A fearful, worshipful awe of God is the basis for submission and unity. We need wives who show us how to be submissive (Eph 5:22), that is, how to bring a godly order into our lives by putting others' interests ahead of our own (Phil 2:4).
Our deep desire for unity can be fulfilled in love, sacrifice, fear of the Lord, submission, godly order, and selflessness. Jesus is praying for us to let Him transform us for unity. Will you let Him make you one?
Prayer: Father, make us one.
Promise: "Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord." —Ps 128:4
Praise: As a result of praying a novena, Alice decided to listen more closely to her husband.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 24, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 27, 2000