INNER LIFE OF THE SPIRIT

The way of unity and ‘peace on earth’ is extricable and tied and linked to seeing the inner, or the second level of life. In this inner life of the Spirit of God within us, we cling and abide with others who live in the deep-seated silence of prayer and worship. That is our unity and is the unity of the priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17, ‘that we may be one as he and the Father are one.’ Despite the surface differences of our forms, cultures, denominations and politics, we are one in Spirit. Though individuals share this inner life as a personal quest, we soon know others who are seated in the same silent sanctuary and we walk together though apart. Regardless of who might think they have ‘cornered the market’ on the Spirit of God, the straightforward text of Ephesians 4 says, ‘There is one body and one spirit’ (v. 4). We are in unity of the Spirit if we ‘abide in the Vine together’ (John 15:1-5). All exterior life is fractured, bigoted, compartmentalized, and partisan. Life in the Spirit makes us whole and free and gives hope for ‘peace on earth, goodwill toward all men.’

“Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” Jesus