Unity in Truth: The Foundation of the Church
Today’s Readings explore the true nature of Christian unity, . . .
. . . emphasizing that unity must be founded on truth, not simply on cooperation or agreement. Drawing from both the words of Jesus in John 17 and the farewell discourse of St. Paul in Acts, the homily warns against false unity based on self-interest or worldly values. True unity is rooted in Christ himself, who is the Truth.
Paul models selfless leadership and cautions the early church about those who will seek to exploit the community. His call is not only to church leaders but to every believer . . . to vigilantly guard their hearts and remain grounded in the truth of the gospel. Jesus, in his priestly prayer, does not ask for his church to be successful or influential, but for it to be one in truth, consecrated in him.
The Sign and the Source of This Unity
St. Paul stresses that truth is not a personal preference or flexible ideal but is objective, unchanging, and embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist . . . Holy Communion . . . is presented as both the sign and the source of this unity. It is not a personal achievement but a divine gift, integrating each believer into communion with Christ and with one another. Only by conforming our lives fully and purely to Christ can we live in true unity, for unity outside the truth is unity in a lie.
Listen to:
Unity in Truth: The Foundation of the Church
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A Quote from the Homily
I (St. Paul) sought no gain. I sought not to take from you or receive from you, but to give you what I was entrusted to give you, even to the extent of working to support myself when I was among you. So that in my ministry to you, I would not be a burden to you.
And when he makes that claim, he doesn’t do that simply to insist on his own credentials or his own goodness. What he is doing is holding forth a standard for all of those who will lead the church as he departs. This is the spirit out of which you must be together. Not seeking first your own benefit, but to contribute what you have been given to contribute, because that is a unity, not founded on self-interest.
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Saint Paul Writing His Epistles: French Artist: Valentin de Boulogne: 1600s
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Gospel Reading: John 17: 11-19
First Reading: Acts 20: 28-38
