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.'

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today many groups, from governments to local councils, seem to think they're only successful when they're engaging in World War III. Things like discretion, confidences, and co-operation, seem to go out of the window. For any community to work, whether it's a church or a family, members need to work to make the group successful.

Other than my own family that grew from three to five when the twins were adopted and was wonderfully successful, I can only think of one other group that showed the qualities that Jesus expected. 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. For the first time in my ministry I no longer had to watch my back. We learnt Greek together, gave each other helpful 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. We need to hold these words in our hearts as we seek to help groups of which we are a part grow together. This doesn't mean we need to become doormats, but we should learn to co-operate with one another and learn to love one another, with God's help, through the work of His Holy Spirit. Ask and you will receive help!

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 ways.
Amen.