We are all one in Christ Jesus

Anne O’Brien reads today from St Paul’s letter to the Galatians (3:22-29) in which St Paul teaches a very unique message. No longer is there to be any distinction between people as all are one in Christ.

Anne says this inclusive vision is reflected in the great diversity of people across the whole world who believe in the Gospel message of Jesus.

In 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, the late Dr Martin Luther King Jnr spoke of a dream where people will be judged not by the colour of their skin but the content of their character. Dr King was a prominent Christian who spoke out against injustices and inequality relating to race and discrimination in America.

St Paul taught the same fundamental message to the community of the Galatians, who were all struggling with real life issues of belief and tolerance. According to his letter, it is through Christ that people are included and are respected within a spiritual family, belonging to one another as children of God.  Anne says Pope Francis professes the same. He wants a united world where we have equity, no matter of background, race, creed, colour, male or female.

Anne invites us to think for a minute ‘Are there times in our lives when we may exclude others because of their differences? Each day brings new opportunities to create a better, more equal world for all – let’s try to be a part of that.

She concludes with a short prayer:
Lord Jesus, you call us all to be brothers and sisters and command us to love one another. Help us by your grace to make love the rule of our life and the bedrock of our world in faith. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.