THINKING ABOUT THE CHURCH.. .MAY WE ALL BE ONE

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Today the church commemorates  St Justin Martyr (100-165), One of the earliest Christian apologist.
 
Interestingly, in Christology class last term, this saint was mentioned.  I find history coming alive as I seek to know our Lord iIn prayer and in study.
 
St Justin, born in Samaria, a pagan, a Gentile, a learned man....reconciling theological notions with philosophy & metaphysics
 
His teachings in the second century influenced the Church greatly until today. Along with many other early Christians, he sought to understand and to explain.
 
What we know and hold firm today - things we take for granted and no longer question - we owe much to these early brothersm who sought and defended, with blood and life.
 
St Justin was trialed for his believe in Jesus aAnd was martyred along with his students.

As i sit in quiet this morning, I reflect....
 
 

Lord,
Throughout history
so many have sought to understand
so many have paid the price
in persecution and in blood.
 
You prayed to the Father
"May they all be one.
Father, may they be one in us"
(John 17:20-26)
 
Lord, we are so many today
40,000 different “denominations”
all claiming You as savior and Lord
yet we are divided.
 
All proclaiming the same Gospel
yet different understanding
opposing teachings.
We are divided…fragmented.
 
Lord, you promised us
"I will send you the Spirit of truth;
And he will lead you
to the complete truth"
(John 16:7 13)
 
It was one Church you built, Father.
It was back in Antioch
"the believers were first called Christians"
(Acts 11:26)
 
As men sought to understand
the things of God, the mysteries....
with the smallness of our minds
and the hugeness of our egos
differences abound.

But the Church was one
for over 1500 years
ever since you walked on earth
to reveal the Father to us.
 
In just the last few decades
In just over 500 years,
we have become so fragmented
so far from your prayer as One.
You have given us the Spirit of Truth
unite us, Lord.
 
"There is only One Body,
One Spirit
One Hope
One Lord
One Faith
One Baptism
One God
Father of All"
(Eph 4:4-5)
 
Lord, help us "lead a life
worthy of the calling
to which we have been called.
Give us humility and gentleness,
with patience, 
bearing with one another in love,
making every effort to maintain the unity
of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
(Eph 4:2-3)
 
As you have prayed
“Holy Father, protect them
in your name that you have given me,
so that they may be one,
as we are one.”
John 17:11
 
 
 

 
“Lord God, in a wonderful way,
through the folly of the cross,
you taught your martyr Saint Justin
the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Heed his prayer for us: 
dispel every deceiving error,
and ground us firmly in our faith.”
Prayer from the Lauds, 1 June 2017





Sharing a resource:
At this link, you can find transcript of the trial of Justim Martyr in Rome, where he was found guilty by the Roman authorities for defending his faith in Jesus, and beheaded along with his students 
(Scroll down to the 2nd reading)

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