SHATTERED INTO ONE
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. – 1 Corinthians 12:13
Last year, the nation of New Zealand went through a dark day in its history. Christchurch, the second largest city in the country, got hit by a massive earthquake. It was the second time in a span of six months. But the damage was much, much worse this time around. People hadn’t recovered from the aftershock of the first earthquake when the second blow kicked them down again.
No doubt, this experience will forever be etched in the hearts of the Kiwis — but not just because of the destruction. It also bore the fruit of a new sense of unity. Americans, Australians, Britons and other immigrants came together with thousands of Kiwis to address the cries of the disaster-stricken residents of Christchurch. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said, “Christchurch, this is not your test. This is New Zealand’s test.”
We are all different somehow. But when hard times hit us, we realize that it all boils down to what binds us together — we are one in humanity and we all ought to help one another as neighbors. Let’s not wait for an earthquake to shake us into our senses. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)
REFLECTION:
What issues separate you from your neighbor? Are they valid? What can you do to bridge the gap?
Lord, make me an instrument of unity.
St. Joseph of Cupertino, pray for us.
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