number one
"I will make them one." —Ezekiel 37:22
A week from tonight we will celebrate Easter Vigil, the glorious beginning of the Easter season. We have been fasting, giving alms, and praying for over thirty days. As Jesus did in the desert, we have overcome many temptations of the evil one this Lent. We have also gone to Confession and repented of our sins.
What is the point of all God has done in our lives this Lent? The Lord intends "to bring all things in the heavens and on earth into one under Christ's headship" (Eph 1:10). Jesus died on the cross "to gather into one all the dispersed children of God" (Jn 11:52). "There is but one body and one Spirit, just as there is but one hope given all of you by your call. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all" (Eph 4:4-6). At this moment, Jesus is praying that we would be one as He and the Father are one (Jn 17:21). Then the world will believe that the Father has sent Jesus (Jn 17:21).
Lent should result in a deeper unity with God our Father through Jesus and in the Spirit. As we near the end of Lent, we should be more united than ever to the Church, our brothers and sisters in Christ, spouses, parents, children, and friends. We must be of "one heart and one mind" (Acts 4:32) to bear witness with power "to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 4:33).
Prayer: Father, purify me "from every defilement of flesh and spirit" so that I will "strive to fulfill" my "consecration perfectly" (2 Cor 7:1).
Promise: "Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did...put their faith in Him." —Jn 11:45
Praise: Louis went to church with his wife to keep the peace and there found the Prince of Peace.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Unity Gifts on audio AV 3A-3 or video V-3A.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 26, 2009
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