Monsignor Enrique Díaz Díaz shares with Exaudi readers his reflection on the  Gospel of this Thursday, May 21, 2026 , the feast of Saint Christopher Magallanes and companion martyrs,  entitled:  “Teach us, Lord, the way of life. Alleluia .”

***

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11:  “You will have to testify about me in Rome”

Psalm 15:  “Teach us, Lord, the path of life. Alleluia”

John 17:20-26:  “That their unity may be perfect”

Throughout history and across different places, there have been attempts to impose uniformity on entire nations, or even on several countries. Economic, power, or protective foundations are sought to maintain unity. But these experiments are short-lived and generally end with the arbitrary imposition of a few or manipulation driven by personal interests and objectives. When Christ speaks of unity, he does not intend to impose uniformity. His proposal is not based on economic or political interests, but on the very essence of humanity: to resemble God, who is one and triune. It is very different when ideologies are placed above people, external criteria and values ​​are imposed, and the rights and dignity of individuals are forgotten. Christ speaks of unity, and through his life, he showed us the kind of unity he meant: a unity that takes seriously the fact that we are all children of God; a unity based on respect for the dignity of every person; a unity that heals wounds, atones for sin, and reintegrates communities; a unity that prioritizes those who suffer and overcomes ambition and selfishness. It is the same unity that the first Christians sought, with all their limitations and imperfections. To this same unity, all of us disciples of Jesus are called today. We will never tire of insisting on the proposal that Jesus calls the Kingdom of God, which we can make a reality in our time. It is not about monopolies or exclusions, nor is it about seeking power or advantages; it is about enabling all human beings to live as children of God. Some say that globalization could achieve this unity, but globalization has no heart, and at its core, it seeks only profit and commercialization. It will lead us to even greater failures and terrible situations. Today, Christ, in his prayer, asks the Father that we may all be one, as he and his Father are one. Let us look closely at how we are strengthening true unity in our families, in society, in our communities. Let us see how we are building unity with those who are diverse, with those of different political parties, races, or backgrounds. Are we building the unity that Jesus asks for?