free one
"There is but one body and one Spirit." —Ephesians 4:4
We must "make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force" (Eph 4:3). Without a deep, Trinitarian unity, the world will not have faith that Jesus has been sent by the Father (Jn 17:21). Without faith in Jesus, we will not let Jesus set us free (Jn 8:36). Thus, we will disqualify ourselves from receiving the graces of the Holy Spirit, the essence of which is freedom (Lv 25:10ff). Therefore, we must be one in Jesus to have faith to accept the freedom of the Spirit.
To grow in unity with the Lord and each other:
- Repent and go to Confession, for sin divides God's people.
- Receive the miracle of Trinitarian unity by receiving Holy Communion daily or as often as possible.
- Forgive those who have offended you.
- Apologize to those whom you have offended.
- Be a minister of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18).
- Pray daily for unity (see Jn 17:20-21).
- Share your faith in Jesus.
- Stir into flame the Holy Spirit of unity (2 Tm 1:6-7).
After we accept a new Pentecost of unity, we will have the Holy Spirit's freedom.
Prayer: Father, if necessary, may I die for Your gift of unity to be accepted (see Jn 11:51-52).
Promise: "There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, Who is over all, and works through all, and is in all." —Eph 4:5-6
Praise: Helen rejoiced when her husband finally joined her in the Catholic Church and they could receive Jesus together.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Unity Gifts of the Spirit, order, listen to or download our CD 3A-3 or DVD 3A on our website or order our tape on audio AV 3A-3 or video V 3A.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 31, 2016
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