Daily Reflections - November 5,2012

UNITY AT ALL COSTS

 

Paul is deadly serious here – he knows the importance of unity for a task to be completed successfully, and preaching the  Gospel is no exception to the rule. This opening to the second chapter of his Letter to the Philippians is full of material for our reflection. If we do reflect well, we will discover the need to foster unity in all that we do.

I remember my mother constantly reminding us kids (I am the eldest of five) that if we do not have anything nice to say about a person then it is better to say nothing at all. Even if the negative things we know about a person are true, we should refrain from talking about them unless it is necessary for the protection of others. We do not have the right to make public everything we have come to know about others.

Another example that is helpful for us to consider is that of an army at war. If an army does not work in unity with all its members, then the enemy will have an easy time dividing and conquering us. The same is true in the spiritual life — if we isolate ourselves from our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, we will make ourselves easy prey to the temptations of the

enemy. It is an act of pride and arrogance to think that we can survive on our own or accomplish God’s will for our lives without the help of others. God has made us communal beings and it is as such that we will succeed in the tasks He gives to us.

Jesus knew the need for community in His life and so He called the Apostles to share in His vision and mission. We should follow His example by ensuring that everything we do will build up the Body of Christ and not tear it down. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do you tend to work as an isolationist or as part of acommunity? How can you better insert yourself into your local faith and civic communities and share your gifts with others?

 

Holy Spirit, help me to realize that I will find fulfillment in life when I am an active member of the Body of Christ.