Division

The Lord Jesus prayed that His disciples “may all be one” (John 17:21), but not all who profess faith in Christ are united. Indeed, the divisions among believers in Christ are a bitter scandal.

This week, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI took an important step in promoting that unity, as a new provision was announced for Anglicans to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.

As wonderful as this provision is, tragically, it will not end all division.

The truth is that while our Lord wishes unity among His disciples, as today’s Gospel reminds us (Luke 12:49-53) our Lord is realistic about division.

Do you think that I have come
to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.

We need to be charitable.

We need to be prudent.

We need to reach out.

Yet we too must be realistic.

Truth will cause division with those who prefer lies.

Love will cause division with those who prefer hate and selfishness.

Yet we must love and we must be true.