Thoughts for the Day

* The triquetra is often used as a symbol for the unity of the Trinity

‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

‘Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today many groups, from countries, to governments, and to local councils, seem to think they're only successful when they're engaging in World War III. Things like discretion, keeping confidences, and co-operating with one another, seem to go out of the window. Success is often measured by who can be the most aggressive! But for any community to work, whether it's a country, a church or a family, its members need to work to make the group successful.

Other than my own family I can only think of one other group that tried to show the qualities that Jesus expected. I mentioned them four years ago, but they are worth highlighting again. This was a Ministry Team made up of lay and ordained people. We worked to create a collaborative group of churches, produced a mission statement and a five-year plan, and used our strengths for the benefit of God's work across 50 square miles of Cumbria. For the first time in my ministry I no longer had to watch my back. We learnt New Testament Greek together with the experienced members helping the beginners; gave each other practical advice; and worked for the good of all in the area.

Jesus, in his last words to his disciples, says that the disciples should 'all be one' as he and his Father are one, and he prays for "those who will believe in me through their word". That is us! Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to help the disciples, and the Spirit will help us in our work as we seek to help any groups of which we are members grow closer together. This doesn't mean we need to become doormats, but we should learn to co-operate with one another and find ways of loving one another.

Spirit of God,
as You and the Father and the Son are One,
so may we help to create communities
that work together in harmony and love.
May we learn to treat each member of the group
as we would like to be treated,
and to show our love in practical,
self-sacrificing ways.
Amen.