December 30. Disciples of today. There are many millions of followers of Jesus Christ in the world today belonging to thousands of different churches with new churches starting almost every day. We can ask, “Why is there no unity amongst Christians? Is it right for so many break-away churches, all claiming to follow Jesus Christ?” Unity amongst the followers of Jesus is a dream to work for. Unity within a church, within a parish, within groups in a parish and in our own families is a dream too. The words of a popular hymn are a call to us all. “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

“I am writing to you little children, because your sins are forgiven for his sake. I am writing to you, fathers because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you young people because you are strong and the world of God abides in you and you have overcome the Evil one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. The world passes away and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:12-17 Pope Francis: Society benefits when each person and social group feels truly at home.  In a family, parents, grandparents and children all feel at home. If someone has a problem even if he brought it upon himself, the rest of the family comes to his assistance. His problems are theirs. In a family everyone contributes to the common purpose and works for the common good, not denying each person’s individuality, but encouraging and supporting it. If only we could view our political opponents or neighbours in the same way that we view our children or our spouse, mother or father. How good this would be! FT230 . Reflect and Discuss.