October 21, 2016
Today’s reading: Ephesians 4:1-6


We as the one body of Christ are called to unity. Just as the Trinity is one God though three Persons, we who are many are “one body” (v.4a) in “one Spirit, .... one Lord, .... one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (v.4b,5a,6). We are all Catholics, with “one faith, one baptism” (v.5b). We as CFC-FFL have one vision and mission, “as you were also called to the one hope of your call” (v.4c).

Unity is crucial to our identity as Christians, as CFC-FFL, as one universal Church. As such, we are to strive “to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace” (v.3). We are united as we are at peace with each other. Peace is the Biblical shalom, which is being in right relationships with each other--as true brethren in Christ, co-workers of the Kingdom, and comrades-in-arms in the armies of God.

What characterizes such peace? It is dealing with each other “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love” (v.2). There will be disagreements, there will be times when we hurt each other, there will be tensions, but we can overcome as we strive to truly love each other with the love of the Lord. We need to humble ourselves, regarding others as more important than ourselves. We must be gentle and patient in our dealings with each other, making allowances for lapses and shortcomings of others.

Unity has always been a challenge to the people of God, whose history has been characterized by strife, splits and schisms. We are no exception in CFC-FFL. But we must keep trying, as this is God’s will for His people, and especially for those whom He calls to a particularly important task in the building of His Kingdom on earth. “I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received” (v.1).

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