01/06/2025
Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year C. June 1, 2025.
Theme: Uniting All in Love
If you found yourself in the life of Stephen today, would you be able to pour out the same heart of love he did? As he was being stoned, Stephen prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). This was not a cry for vengeance but a plea for mercy, an expression of deep love, even for his enemies.
Many of us today respond differently. When offended or attacked, we are quick to call down punishment on those against us, often invoking the “Holy Ghost fire” as a weapon against our perceived enemies. But is this the spirit of Christ?
Just like Stephen, Jesus taught us the path of love and unity. In His high priestly prayer, He said: “That they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). This prayer for unity is one we must carry daily on our lips and, more importantly, inscribe on our hearts.
Sadly, our world today is torn apart by conflict: tribal, political, ideological, and especially religious. “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Luke 21:10). Religious conflict continues to fuel hatred and war in many parts of the world. But this is not the will of God. Jesus prayed that we might be one, united in His love.
Dear friends in Christ, when we truly allow the Spirit of God to dwell in us, we are united, not just with one another, but with Christ Himself. “If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us” (1 John 4:12). As John saw in his heavenly vision: “After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9). Jesus, who sits at the Throne of God, who has poured out His Spirit on us will unite us in Heaven. God has united all nations and peoples in Christ Jesus. Today, Christ is enthroned, not as a warrior of vengeance, but as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), seated on the throne of unity and love.
Let us then take seriously the call to love, to forgive, and to unite. “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14). May the Church and the world heed the prayer of Christ, and may we each become instruments of that divine love which overcomes all division.
Happy New Month!
Keep me in your thoughts before God!
Happy Sunday!