Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Renewal of the Church
Psalm 133

“How good it is, how pleasant where the people dwell as one” (1)

Unity is an especially important and relevant topic to consider when observing the current events in today’s world. Listening to the news we hear about dissension and violence at every turn from biochemical warfare and disagreements in the United Nations about Syria, death and captivity in Kenya, to division between democrats and republicans regarding government spending and healthcare. It seems at every turn there is evidence of disunity, but clear examples of unity are very few and far between. 
We can easily point out these divisions in the world, but can we turn inward and discover what lies within our own actions that divide us and often separate us from the people around us?  Look in our own Churches and see how we associate with others.  Do we as a congregation truly act as one body? Do we go beyond Sunday worship and reach out to the people in our community. When we kneel before the body and blood, are we kneeling as brothers and sisters? Do we go past our usual small talk and really delve into the lives of others to seek out ways to support one another through struggles?  Or are we quick to judgment, anger, and resentment? The three verses state that unity and a peaceful community is a blessing. What united Israel was their faith in God. Despite their differences, this sole core united them as one. David compared that kind of unity to the holy precious ointment which was used to consecrate the high priest and to dew of Hermon.  These comparisons express how important unity is in a community.
The anointing of oil was an expression of God’s love and it was used to consecrate every priest before they could begin their work of spreading God’s word. In order for us to fulfill God’s purpose for us, it is vital for us to have communion with one another. It is an extension of His grace working in us. The dew signifies abundance and blessing. Dew in such harsh dry environments is rare and brings cooling, refreshing, and fruitful properties to everything around it. Therefore brotherhood and unity not only is vital ingredient for a relationship with God, but it brings blessings into our lives and to the lives of others that surpass our own understanding.
So let us be examples to the world by dwelling as one in our Churches. Let us extend our hearts and minds to those around us so that we may truly be one body in Christ. Let that love we receive from God poured on our heads trickle down and out of our hands to our surrounding brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us remember that Church is not just a structural institution, but a group of believers bound by the love of God and let that connection be fostered and strengthened each day; So that in a world of division and violence, we can be clear examples of light, love, and unity.
Prayer: O Lord, help us to love one another so that we may be unified as one body of believers and be a blessing unto others.
Thought of the Day: The grace of God is meant to be shared with others and we are meant to dwell as one.


Jessin Varghese, carmel MTC, Boston 

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