1 – ONE
The Oneness of God and Unity in Christ
The concept of oneness is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, deeply rooted in both Scripture and Christian tradition. At its core is the profound truth of monotheism – the belief in one God. This foundational belief is eloquently expressed in Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone!” This declaration, known as the Shema, is central to the Judeo-Christian understanding of God’s nature.
Within this oneness, Catholic theology recognizes the mystery of the Holy Trinity – one God in three divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus articulates this unity in John 10:30, saying, “The Father and I are one.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church further elucidates this mystery: “We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons” (CCC 253).
Christ’s role as the unique mediator between God and humanity underscores this divine unity. St. Paul writes, “There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as ransom for all” (1 Tim 2:5-6). This mediation is both exclusive and universal, as St. Peter proclaims, “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved” (Acts 4:12).
The oneness of God extends to His plan for humanity – unity in Christ. Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and all future believers reflects this divine desire: “That they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (Jn 17:21). This unity reflects God’s nature and is essential for the mission of the Church.
St. Paul elaborates on this theme in his letter to the Ephesians, urging believers to “preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Eph 4:3-6). This passage intricately weaves the oneness of God with the unity of the Church.
In Catholic theology, Jesus is described as “the firstborn of all creation” (Col 1:15). This title signifies His preeminence and eternal existence with the Father, not that He was created. As the Catechism explains, “He is eternally begotten of the Father, he is not made or created, but proceeded from the Father and the Son” (CCC 465). Christ’s resurrection further establishes Him as “the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor 15:20), pioneering the way for our future resurrection.
REFLECTION
For Christians today, these truths hold profound implications. We are called to worship the one true God, acknowledging His triune nature. Our faith in Christ as the sole mediator should motivate us to share the Gospel, knowing that salvation is found in Him alone.
Moreover, we are challenged to actively pursue unity within the Church and among all believers. This unity is not mere uniformity but a harmony that mirrors the love and oneness of the Trinity. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Unity in faith, hope, and charity, unity in the sacraments, the ministry; We are at home, we are in the family, and we are among brothers and sisters.”
Finally, let us heed Christ’s call to remain united with Him: “Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me” (Jn 15:4). In our increasingly fragmented world, may we bear witness to the unifying power of God’s love, striving to build bridges and foster reconciliation, always anchored in the oneness of our faith and the unity found in Christ.
As Christians, we are called to live out the oneness of God and the unity in Christ in our daily lives. This means fostering a spirit of love, understanding, and cooperation within our communities. We should strive to see Christ in everyone we encounter and work towards healing divisions, both within the Church and in the broader world. By living in the unity that Christ prayed for, we become a testament to the transformative power of God’s love, drawing others to the faith and furthering the mission of the Church. Let us commit to this divine unity, reflecting the oneness of God in our actions and relationships.