Sunday, July 28, 2024

One of the reoccurring themes in our scripture readings is our obligation, as followers of Christ, to bring unity and peace to the world around us.  In the selection this weekend from his letter to the Ephesians, Paul is addressing the tension between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians, pounding it into their heads that Christ came to unite them as one.  Some of the words he uses are he is our peace, he who made both one; he broke down the dividing wall of enmity; that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace; reconcile both with God, in one body.
 
His point to the Ephesians is that they are the Body of Christ, all of them, and they need to live in unity and peace.  All the divisions and walls that we erect as human beings are wiped away by Christ, who came to save all people. 
 
Is there any message that is more important for our country to hear today?  The division and lack of willingness to work together for the common good, displayed in various levels of government, will ruin us.  Hateful speech from individual citizens right up through government leaders has no place with those who profess themselves to be Christians. 
 
Jesus has warned us: a house divided against itself cannot stand.  Paul is reminding us that Jesus came to bring unity among those with strong differences, such as the Jews and Gentiles had.  In various places we are told to be meek and humble of heart, which means to be respectful, to listen to the opinion of others, and to be willing to work together to arrive at a compromise for the good of all.
 
Peace and unity depend on each one of us.  Bringing them to the whole world is not our task: bringing them to our interactions with others in our daily lives is.  Let’s make sure we are doing it.  God bless.
 
Church sign: It’s easier to give excuses than to take responsibility.