Call to unity with all creation

The Scriptures call us to live in a spirit of unity with all creation. This urge for union is built into us, as we strive in our youth for connection and community, as is witnessed by our desire for friendships, a secure family life, and a desire to belong, whether it is a school or neighborhood community or an affinity organization or simply a group of friends.

This life goal of making positive connections continues into young adulthood and is reflected in our desires to create a family of our own, for a job that will give us and our family financial security, for membership in meaningful groups, such as our parish and community organizations.

Unfortunately some people become fixated on self-growth and acquisition and a narrowing concept of community, which sees those who are different in any way, those who are “other”, as people to be feared, hated, excluded. These people have strayed from the path of unity the Scriptures call us to. We see this attitude reflected in the hateful rhetoric we witness in political life, on social media, and on our streets.

Some people regain this sense of the unity of all creation later in life, particularly as they reflect on past mistakes and faulty values. The hope is that as we progress in life we will not lose the sense that our ultimate vocation is to be united with God and with all God’s creation.

“I urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:-3)