THE SEVENFOLD UNITY
“Make every effort to preserve the unity.” –Ephesians 4:3 From prison, St. Paul pleaded with his Christian brothers and sisters to “live a life worthy” of their calling (Eph 4:1). This meant being humble, meek, long-suffering, and lovingly forbearing (Eph 4:2). This radically different way of life was necessary to preserve and deepen the early Church’s unity in the Spirit (Eph 4:3). The priority was unity in the body, unity in the Spirit, and unity in hope; unity in the Lord, faith, and baptism, and unity in the God and Father of all (Eph 4:4-6). This sevenfold unity is still...