Video Transcript
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
Recently people have spoken to me of the uneasiness they are experiencing in their closest relationships because of the times in which we are living. It seems that everywhere they look there is division – in social media, our culture, politics, and within their own family.
As I was thinking of this and of the many messages many of us receive – especially through social media and technology, I was reminded of the importance of being united in Christ, who by His death and Resurrection reconciled us with our heavenly Father and with one another.
But let us not forget and not be misled – the evil one is a master at division and confusion. Jesus said of Satan (Jn 8:44), “…he is a liar and the father of lies.” 1800 years ago, the famous theologian Origen wrote:
“Where there are sins, there are also divisions, schisms, heresies, and disputes. Where there is virtue, however, there also are harmony and unity, from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers.”
When we see confusion and division, the question we must ask is this, “Where is Jesus?” The Lord alone is (Jn 1:5) “the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” If we don’t know Jesus and are not one with Him, we will find ourselves confused and our thoughts scattered.
We all have witnessed the escalating rhetoric in our country regarding politics, race, and gender. Friends find themselves avoiding conversations on these topics, and there are households divided: parents and their kids at odds, spouses disagreeing with each other or avoiding conversation.
Especially in times like this, we need to be one in Christ, opening our hearts and minds to His love, His peace, His truth, and His mercy. May we never forget that He has given us His Peace. He has triumphed over sin and division. As St. Paul says (2 Cor 5:17ff):
“…whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation.”
As Catholics, then, what should you and I do when we see division in our world, our communities, and especially in our families? I offer three suggestions.
First: Listen – The Lord teaches us in Proverbs (17:27), “The wise say very little, and those with understanding stay calm.” You and I are called to be witnesses of our merciful Savior, who died on the Cross to overcome sin and division. We can only be faithful witnesses by listening attentively to Jesus and to those whom He gives us to love. Arguing and talking over one another cannot bear good fruit. As we strive to speak the truth in love, we must embody God’s mercy and kindness.
Secondly: Pray – Often, we mistakenly think we can solve difficulties or convince people to make better choices without relying on the grace of God. Let us remember the wisdom of Psalm 121, “Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” St. Augustine tells us, “We must pray as though everything depended on God.” When we bring our concerns to the Lord, we are uniting ourselves with the One who is (Jn 14:6) “the way, the truth and the life.” St. John Paul II said, “In prayer you become one with the source of our true light – Jesus Himself.”
Thirdly: Start with your family. Our mission in Christ begins in the family, the basic unit of the Church and society. I invite every Catholic home to consider these questions:
- Where is Jesus in your family?
- Where is He in your relationships?
- Have you invited the Lord to be part of every moment of everyday – especially the tough days?
If you haven’t spoken to a family member or two in a while, call them, check on them and ask them how they are doing. Assure them of your love and of the Lord of Jesus. If you’re a parent with little children, take a break from work or other activity during the day to spend time with them. Ask them how life is going, what they are struggling with, and how you can be of help. Don’t be ashamed to tell them: “I you love you”, and “Jesus loves you, too.”
Confusion and division are not of God – and Christ has already conquered them. With great confidence, let us rely on Jesus to be present and working in our lives, leading is to the peace that He alone can give.
Please pray for me that I may be a servant of unity. And know I am praying for you and those whom God has given you to love.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Diocese of Phoenix, pray for us.
Jesus, we trust in You.
May almighty God bless you — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
