"one in the spirit?"
"I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that all may be one." —John 17:20-21
Jesus is praying at this moment that all peoples, nations, and denominations be one as He and the Father are One (Jn 17:21). Therefore, Jesus is praying for us to receive the Holy Spirit, for the Spirit is the Source of our unity (Eph 4:3). Jesus is praying now for a new Pentecost. Will we answer His prayers after He has answered ours for so many years?
Surprisingly, most of us don't want unity and so don't want the Spirit of unity. We give "lip service" to unity, and few have "gone on record" proposing the perpetuation of divisions and denominations. However, whenever we seriously attempt unity, people "show their true colors." Too many of us prefer the pain of separation to the pain of unconditional love and unity. We prefer our divisions and denominations over God's plan of salvation.
Therefore, we need a change of heart to want unity and the Holy Spirit of unity. We must repent, go to Confession, and only then expect a new Pentecost.
Prayer: Father, remove my love for disunity. Give me your heart for those who are hard for me to tolerate.
Promise: "Keep up your courage!" —Acts 23:11
Praise: Judy laid down her life when she became her husband's caregiver.
Reference: (For more teachings on unity, read the Bible daily. We have several tape series to help you. Overview of the Bible is six audio tapes starting with AV 10A-1 or three video tapes starting with V-10A. 15-minute Bible Teaching - New Testament is forty audio tapes starting with #700. An Introduction to each Book of the Bible is 32 audio tapes starting with AV 21-1 or 17 video tapes starting with V-21.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 3, 2008
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