💖 HOMILY - JUNE 5 💖

First Reading - Acts 22:30-22:6-11

Gospel - John 17:20-26

The theory of "divide and rule" proved to be an effective tool during colonial times, used to dominate and control nations by fostering division. Sadly, this method is still practiced today—often subtly—to maintain power or influence. In contrast, the readings of today reveal God's desire not for division, but for unity: a family of believers united in Him and with one another.

In the first reading, we witness a moment of sharp disunity among the Jewish leaders. Paul, in his defense, brings up the topic of the resurrection—a doctrine accepted by the Pharisees but rejected by the Sadducees. This theological difference causes immediate dissension. What should have been a moment of religious inquiry instead becomes a display of how fragile and fractured their community was. The inability of the Pharisees and Sadducees to find common ground reflects a deeper spiritual failure: the lack of unity in their belief and practice.

In the Gospel, we are brought into the intimate prayer of Jesus—the final part of His “High Priestly Prayer” at the Last Supper. Here, Jesus prays not for power or success, but for unity among His followers. He prays that they may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not mere organizational harmony; it is a spiritual unity rooted in love, obedience, and mutual self-giving. The model for Christian unity is the perfect communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—a unity that is relational, not just structural.

Jesus also links this unity to the effectiveness of evangelization. “That they may be one… so that the world may believe.” Disunity among Christians is not only a wound within the Church but also a scandal to the world. When believers are divided, the credibility of the Gospel message is weakened. True unity, on the other hand, becomes a compelling witness to the transforming power of God's love.

Dear friends, if Jesus’ final prayer was for unity, then working for unity must be our duty. We must strive to heal the divisions among us—not only among different Christian denominations but also within our own communities, parishes, and families. This begins by learning to listen, to respect differences, and to engage in genuine dialogue. The dispute between the Pharisees and Sadducees shows us what happens when there is no openness to one another. Unity does not mean uniformity; rather, it means choosing love over division, dialogue over conflict, and the common good over personal agendas.

Let us remember: Jesus did not pray that we all think the same, but that we all remain one in Him. Unity is not something we create; it is a gift we receive by remaining close to Jesus and rooted in His Word.

So let us work and pray for unity in our Church and in our relationships. May we be peacemakers and bridge-builders, people who reflect the unity of the Trinity and draw others to the heart of Christ.

May God grant us the grace to become instruments of unity in a world so often divided.