It is 8th April 2017. The readings are from Ezekiel 37:21-28; and the Gospel from John 11:45-56. As we are about to enter the Holy Week from tomorrow, we are reminded in these two readings what God and Jesus intend for God’s people. In the first reading God promises peace and unity by establishing a covenant and abiding presence among God’s people. “I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will bless them and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My dwelling place shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Ez.37:26,27). Sanctification of people comes through the promise of God living among us as a covenant of peace. God wants to unite us all by calling us God’s people. Among God’s people there is no division in whatsoever manner. We are just God’s people without any prefixed or suffixed distinction. Our purpose of being God’s people is to continue the intention of God to be the covenant of peace and unity. Because we believe in a God of peace and unity, we cannot destroy the environment of peace and unity. Through our personal sacrifices and the deep display of love, we experience peace and unity in us and around us. The responsorial Psalm promises the protection we all need telling, “The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.” (Ps.31:10). Jesus wants us all to be drawn to Himself through His passion, suffering, death and resurrection. “…Jesus should die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.” (Jn. 11:51,52). Jesus envisioned us the unity and peace through His one and unrepeatable Sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus died on the cross “to gather into one all the dispersed children of God” (Jn 11:52). He is praying that we be one as He and the Father are one (Jn 17:21). And again, He promised: “I — once I am lifted up from earth — will draw all men to Myself” (Jn 12:32). Lord, draw us closer to your Holy Cross so that we may experience peace and to exercise unity in our day today living. May God bless you to come closer to Jesus from today to experience what the world cannot give anyway. May you have a good day.