United in Christ We Stand: 7th Sunday of Easter

In the aftermath of 9/11, a common slogan circulated through commercials and even t-shirts, reading, “United We Stand.” I remember someone from grade school making shirts that paid tribute to the day the world stood still.  

For a time, no matter their political affiliations, Americans stood side by side after the loss of many precious souls. Even firefighters who helped in the search and rescue efforts had to leave behind where they came from and unite under the banner that everyone is an American.  

The Gospel of John and the Acts of the Apostles give us a look at how Christ and St. Stephen long for all Catholics to be in unison with each other.

First, Christ’s prays in between the Last Supper and his crucifixion.  “Holy Father, I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.”  He ends with the phrase, “I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.“

Second, St. Luke recalls the story of the first martyr of the Catholic Church, St. Stephen. St. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, goes and preaches the gospel. Yet, those who were there wanted nothing to do with Christ, so they led him out of the city and stoned him.

While St. Stephen was afflicted by the stones, he lifted his head to heaven and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”.

The post-communion prayer of the Easter Vigil brings the recital of God’s great deeds to a climax: “Pour out on us, Lord, the Spirit of your love, that those you have filled with Paschal sacraments may, by your kindness, be of one heart.”

To be with Christ is the promise of our baptism and the goal of our life as Christians. If we live with Christ in the dynamic love of the Spirit that binds the Trinity in one, we must live with one another in unity. God pours out this blessing upon us in the scented oil, the chrism, of confirmation by which we are strengthened in the Spirit for the life and work of his Kingdom.

Come, Lord Jesus