Unity - is it possible?

30Apr
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
-Psalm 133:1


Unity. What a nice word. Is it possible again? There’s a lot of conversation and reflection underway now about the country’s approaching 250th birthday this July, much of it around the possibility that the occasion may offer some relief against our national partisan divisiveness as we reflect in fresh consensus on the magnitude of this anniversary. Everywhere I listen, I hear exchange that around the observances of this special July 4th, we can all join hands and voices in a new unity and thanks for our country and the brave people who created America. And that maybe…if we work on it… some of that hope and unity will stick. Is it possible?


Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

-Ephesians 4:3 


Peace. What if years from now, people looked back and saw this July 4th as a kind of advent marker, a turning moment, of a country that in 2026 was in dire need of healing, a country that on its 250th birthday reclaimed the omnipotent, historic binds of shared faith, sacrifice and collaboration of its ancestors? 


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

-Romans 15:13 


Trust. As our nation reflects on this milestone occasion, may God grant us the ability to remember how to listen to and trust one another through the power of faith to inspire a positive future. Grant us all anew the kind of mutual trust, harmony and gratitude that inspired our ancestors who built this great land.


I pray that this July 4th anniversary will be more than a national celebration, just a brief reflection, before we go back to where we always seem to be stuck. May God help us to allow this time to be a pivot, a renewed beginning, where unity takes new root, peace finds a new way, and trust guides us forward. Nothing would honor our country more than turning the true legacy of our Founders into the promise of a more united tomorrow.


Musical Reflection - America the Beautiful - Ray Charles


O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in

harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


-BCP p. 815

Hope

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