Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 / John 17:20-26
There are a few definitions of the concept of unity. Unity can be defined as a whole or totality combining all its parts into one
Or it can be defined as the state or fact of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole.
Seen from another angle, it is the absence of diversity and having an unvaried or uniform character.
But unity is always tested by diversity and by various other factors. More so when this unity is about people, as each seem to have his own opinion about things and hence keeping unity can be very challenging.
The 1st reading exposed the fragility of the unity of the Sanhedrin, and the crack lines were taken advantage of by Paul when he worked on the sympathies of the Pharisee section of the Sanhedrin.
What Paul did to the Sanhedrin which eventually broke their unity, others will also want to do to the Church.
What makes it more alarming is that these "others" may not just be outsiders but from within the ranks of the Church.
What Jesus prayed for in the gospel is that we will all be united as one. But the unity is not in some kind of structure or doctrine or practice.
The foundation of this unity is founded on the unity between Jesus and the Father - "Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you."
Unless we are united in and by the heart of Jesus, there will be threats to the unity of the Church and the crack lines will appear.
Let us pray that we, the Church, will be united as one, and may it begin with a unity of minds and hearts. May Jesus be the foundation of our unity as Church. May He be in us just as He is in the Father.