Daily Reflections - October 26,2012

ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE

 

One of nature’s marvel of oneness despite distinctness is the mighty river Nile. Snaking through nine different countries from Africa to Egypt, the Blue Nile and the White Nile, each originating from two distinct sources in different far-flung places, execute what ancient Arabic poets refer to as the world’s longest kiss somewhere in Khartoum, Sudan. From there, it flows northward, a natural and long-winding testament to the power of unity, the beauty of oneness, and the might of forces gathered as one, through some of the most contested territories on earth, amidst countries and people who belie the natural God-given witnessing power of unity there is in all the world.

We humans have a lot to learn from Mother Nature. No less than the great teacher Himself, our Lord Jesus Christ, alludes to the teaching power that hides in the signs shown us by the natural world. “You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”

The river Nile teaches us about the beauty and the power of oneness — oneness that juts right out of both the nature of water and the nature of the water course that is this powerful river. It is a lesson learned by St. Paul, who, in his letter to the Ephesians, makes a plea for the same unity, “to live in a manner worthy of the call [they] have received.”

As one who has traveled quite a bit and seen many other cultures and peoples at close range, I marvel at the unifying power of the one water with which all believers all over the world are baptized. The water of baptism, the same water of oneness signified by the Nile, continue to unite disparate peoples everywhere. The Lord continues to call nations and cultures to be part of and “preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.” It is a vocation as lovely as it is lofty. And it is ours to share through the waters of baptism — one for all, all for one. Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: What is God asking you to do to help keep the unity in your family, community and the Church?

 

Father, keep us in Your love that we may remain one with You and with one another. Amen.