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. |
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