“That they may all be one…” (John 17:21), Jesus’ prayer for the world, is the motto of the United Church of Christ. In a time and culture of rancorous divisions, it can be difficult to imagine what it means to “be one,” without insisting on burying our diversity and differences. It does not mean that we have to be alike – little clones. Our diversity is a gift we give to one another. Now, be ready to receive it. It’s not easy. To be a Jesus follower is to be part of a greater whole, even with our differences and wonderings. If we hear the call to “be one” as a functional/political statement, it does seem to ask for constant agreement and accord. But if one thinks in existential terms, it becomes who we are. We are one in God whether we agree with each other or not. We are one in God’s love whether we like one another or not. To become a part of the body, the assembly, of Christ, is to become a part of the community with all of our blessed diversity. Jesus’ prayer reminds us that our unity is a sign to the world of the power of God’s love for us and through us. It is with God’s help that we live into that oneness, loving our debates and differences. If we look at one another, and listen to one another, we’ll see and hear actual reflections of ourselves – then we shall, in fact, move to that day when we shall all be one.
Peace,
Pastor Carol
