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WORD AMONG US WAU.ORG Reflections
Daily Meditation: Philippians 2:1-11
. . . united in heart. (Philippians 2:2)
Isn’t it amazing to live in such a connected world? You can so easily search the internet to find answers to any question you have and to learn all about the latest events happening anywhere in the world. Yet we all know that there are challenges related to this quick access to information, and one of them is the quick access to opinions. And, as we often see, opinions lead to arguments, and arguments lead to divisions.
So when we hear St. Paul calling us to be “of the same mind” and “united in heart,” it can seem almost impossible (Philippians 2:2). It’s hard enough staying civil and polite, but to actually be united in heart and mind? Can we even do that? Paul seems to think we can. So let’s consider how we can apply his words to our lives today.
Consider Paul’s audience: the Christians in Philippi. Paul isn’t writing to the entire city. Why does that matter? Because we are called to a special kind of unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our Church is diverse, and that’s part of its beauty. But unity in the midst of diversity means that our opinions, as important as they may be, should not supersede our call to reveal the love of Christ through our unity: “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
So how can we embrace this calling? One way is to ask yourself if you should be spending less time taking in the news, political commentary, or celebrity gossip and more time serving God. The simple act of putting your energy toward listening to God and being among his people will bring down dividing walls and empower you to follow Jesus’ command to love all of your brothers and sisters.
So enjoy the benefits of our connected world, but remember to guard the true, lasting unity of your family in Christ.
“Jesus, help me to hear your call to unity and respond with love.”
Ezekiel 18:25-28
Psalm 25:4-9
Matthew 21:28-32
