ONE GOD AND FATHER OF ALL
A challenge for us in our modern world is that many people
like to sue each other. God our Father is not interested in this because it is
not a win/win for all people and most importantly, it doesn't unite us or bring
us healing.
None of us have the
power and strength of will to overcome our sins and failings on our own. We
stand in constant need of our heavenly Father's grace, help, strength and
protection. Scripture describes God as our rock, refuge, fortress, and mighty
loving power. We need God's help and guidance in our discernment in order to
distinguish between truth and error, right and wrong, good and bad. The Light
of Jesus Christ reveals what is in our hearts and His grace frees us from sin,
hurtful desires, and harmful addictions in our lives. God's call is urgent and
His grace is available for total freedom and transformation in Christ Jesus.
May we respond and choose a life of holiness and love.
St. Paul also urges the Ephesians to live their lives in a way
that honors the call to holiness that they have received. They need to remember
that for God, unity and peace among all people is the goal. Jew and Gentile
alike - all of us - are called to the one hope, namely, that all may be one in
unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: "One Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is over all and through all and in
all" (Eph 4:5-6).
Many times in our
lives we struggle with each other and even take sides. How can we compromise
and work it out? Our willingness to yield will unite us with the Sacrifice of
Jesus to win the ultimate victory! Jesus always counsels us to do all we can to
"settle the matter" without going to court unless, for a just reason,
we have no choice. A challenge for us in our modern world is that many people
like to sue each other. God our Father is not interested in this because it is
not a win/win for all people and most importantly, it doesn't unite us or bring
us healing.
Our challenge is very
clear: We are members of the "one Body, one Lord, one faith, one
baptism" (ibid).