That which unites us

There are many things on which we may disagree, sometimes quite legitimately, even within our churches and our families.

But St. Paul reminds us in today's first reading (Ephesians 4:1-6) of those things which can and should bring us together: things to remember the next time we find ourselves sliding into a fight with those to whom we should be closer than we are.

I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner
worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit
through the bond of peace;
one Body and one Spirit,
as you were also called
to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all
and through all
and in all.