The word Unity has often been misunderstood. Webster’s Dictionary says: “Unity is the state of being united or joined as a whole”. Somewhere along the line, it has come to mean doing the same thing, the same way, all the time. Everyone and everything is the same. Somehow, we can lose the richness of the word.
When St. Paul speaks of Unity of the Spirit in Ephesians, he joins it with Humility, Gentleness and Patience. Together these words and attitudes help us live within the Christian Community. They add a breadth to the word unity and afford us the ability to use our God-given talents to help create unity in whatever community situation we encounter, whether it be family, work, school, church, or any of a myriad of other community experiences.
If we practice the virtues of humility, gentleness, and patience, even when it may be challenging, we help to build up the community. Today I find that there is such a need for people to step forward and share their talent, time, and treasures! All of us are important and necessary to complete the landscape-puzzle of which we are all an important piece. We are called to live a life worthy of the Gospel!
Perhaps we need to see how we help unify and make whole our present situation. Am I sitting around, waiting for others to create a better world? Or am I using the talents I have, although they may be different than others, to initiate, invite, and live a life worthy of the Gospel?
Do I look at others and their ideas with the eyes of humility, gentleness, and patience? Have I thought about my priorities lately? Do I see beyond myself, and look into the faces of those around me?
Practicing unity leads us to a Bond of Peace, and this is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Spend some time this week looking at the word Unity and see how you define it.
Does your definition lead you to living a life worthy of the Spirit?
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
