The Holy Spirit gathers rather than scatters. At Babel (Gn 11:7-9), men were scattered. At Pentecost, the Spirit gathered and united. Jesus came to gather us together (Jn 11:51-52).
One thing is certain: unity is never reached by stifling the Spirit, the Source of unity (Eph 4:3). To achieve the unity desired by the Holy Spirit, we must be filled with the Spirit (Acts 2:4) and operate in the gifts of the Spirit, which are always given for the common good (1 Cor 12:7).
How sad that sometimes one of the effects of the Life in the Spirit seminar is to scatter a church into factions of charismatics and non-charismatics. Therefore, those who are filled with the Spirit and striving to daily operate in the gifts of the Spirit must "make every effort to preserve the unity" (Eph 4:3) the Spirit is always working to achieve.
Jesus wants unity very much. He prays that we all be one as He and the Father are one (Jn 17:21). Jesus is always working to break down the barriers of hostility (Eph 2:14) and bring reconciliation and peace through the blood of His cross (Col 1:20).
Pray for the Holy Spirit. Do not stifle the Spirit out of fear of further disunity. The Holy Spirit is the best Gift, and the Father is pleased to give the Spirit (Lk 11:13). "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22) and "be united in mind and judgment" (1 Cor 1:10).
| PRAYER: | Come, Holy Spirit of unity! Jesus, pour out Your love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5). Gather us together (Jn 11:52). |
| PROMISE: | "The Holy Spirit came down on them and they began to speak in tongues and to utter prophecies." –Acts 19:6 |
| PRAISE: | Pope St. Gregory's last recorded words were "I d justice and hated iniquity." |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College