When The Centre Cannot Hold: Healing The Wounds Of Disunity

Homily for the Seventh Sunday of Easter June 1st 2025
(Inspired by John 17:20–26 and Acts 7:55–60)

(By Fr Benjamin Brodricks)

Introduction: When Unity Breaks, Everything Falls Apart

Dear brothers and sisters,
Jesus, in today’s Gospel, is not preaching. He is praying. And what is the content of His prayer?
“That they may all be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” (John 17:21)
Jesus is praying not for miracles, wealth, or fame, but for unity among His followers — for you and me. This prayer was so important to Him that He offered it just before His arrest. He knew what disunity could do. He knew that divided followers would become weak witnesses.

Sadly, what Jesus prayed against is what we are seeing today: a world, a Church, a society, and even families deeply wounded by disunity. Nigeria is a clear example. The home is breaking, churches are splitting, ethnic groups are at war, and politics has become bitter hatred.

So today, let us ask:
What causes this widespread disunity?
What are its consequences?
And most importantly, what can we do to restore the bond of peace and love?

1. The Real Causes of Disunity: What Breaks Us Apart?
Disunity doesn’t just happen. It is caused and often carefully nurtured by us. Some of the most practical causes include:

a. Wounded Pride and Ego
People want to be right at all costs. Apologies are rare. Forgiveness is mocked. Everyone wants the last word.

b. Jealousy and Competition
One person succeeds, and others feel threatened. Even among siblings, pastors, priests, choir members, politicians — there is rivalry instead of celebration.

c. Gossip and Misinformation
Stories are twisted and passed around like snacks. One word destroys a 20-year friendship.

d. Ethnic and Political Sentiment
In Nigeria, some people cannot even rent a house to someone from another tribe. Others vote blindly along ethnic lines, even if the person is unfit. This breeds suspicion, resentment, and hate.

e. Unresolved Grudges and Bitterness
People carry old wounds like sacred relics. They relive offences from 10 or 20 years ago, and poison the next generation with the same hatred.

2. The Danger of Disunity: What We Are Losing
When the centre does not hold, things fall apart. Disunity comes with a heavy price.

a. In the Church
Our message becomes powerless. When Christians fight among themselves — Catholics vs Pentecostals, priest vs laity, choir vs choir — we confuse the world. Evangelisation suffers. No one wants to join a fighting Church.

b. In the Family
Disunity creates broken marriages, rebellious children, and generations that cannot speak to each other. Family prayers cease. Peace becomes a stranger.

c. In Society
Nigeria today is a wounded giant. Disunity is fuelling tribal wars, hate speech, and insecurity. Politicians divide us to control us. And while we fight, they loot.
When people are not united, they are easily manipulated.

3. The Way Forward: Becoming a Healing Presence

Jesus prayed for unity. But He also lived it. He ate with sinners. He embraced Samaritans. He forgave Peter and loved Judas till the end.
We too can become agents of unity by doing the following:

a. Practice Forgiveness Daily

Like Stephen in Acts 7, even while being stoned, he prayed:
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Forgiveness is not weakness. It is divine strength.

b. Bridge the Gaps

Make that phone call today. Apologise to your spouse. Visit that friend. Say sorry even if you’re not totally wrong. The healing of our world starts with one relationship at a time.

c. Speak Words that Build
Stop gossip. Be the one who speaks truth and peace. If you can’t bless someone with your tongue, don’t curse them either.

d. Promote Common Humanity, Not Tribal Identity
Always ask: “What if this person were my brother?” Because in Christ, we are brothers and sisters.

e. Start With Yourself
Unity begins in your own heart. Ask:
Am I a peacemaker in my home, office, parish, and WhatsApp group?

Conclusion: Jesus Is Still Praying for Us

Beloved in Christ,
Jesus’ prayer in John 17 was not just for His disciples then — it was for you and me today. He knew that disunity would scatter us and weaken our witness. He knew that without unity, we would be powerless.

So, what can you do this week?
✅ Reconcile with someone.
✅ Refuse to gossip.
✅ Be the first to forgive.
✅ Put people before politics.
✅ Help the Church, the family, and Nigeria heal — one act of love at a time.
Let us not only listen to this message — let us live it. That way, Jesus’ prayer for unity will be answered in us.

Summary
“Disunity weakens the Church, destroys families, and breaks nations. Jesus prayed that we may be one. Let us begin the healing today — forgive, reconcile, and love without condition. That is how we answer His prayer.”

Fr Joseph Osho