Countercurrents

For Christ himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. – Ephesians 2:14-16

We live in fractious and divisive times. Political polarization between progressives and conservatives has widened so much over the past several decades that compromise is nearly impossible. Americans increasingly get their news and commentary from different algorithmic media ecosystems, making dialogue more difficult. Questions about race, immigration, economic inequality, religious identity, and gender roles have become focal points of intense disagreement.

And yet, amidst this division, there are countercurrents of cooperation. Local communities, service organizations, faith groups, and civic groups continue to work across differences to address practical needs. More recently, we have seen such collaborations in the Twin Cities area and in local municipalities that have banded together to support marginalized communities and oppose the takeover of inappropriate facilities for detention centers. These efforts remind us that division, though powerful, is not the only force at work in our common life.

In the second chapter of Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul offers the imagery of a “dividing wall of hostility” being torn down, teaching that the gospel removes barriers—ethnic, cultural, or social. The church is called to live out this unity, not rebuild the walls Christ has already torn down.

Today is World Day of Prayer. The chief purpose of this Day is to unite Christians around the world in prayer and informed action for peace, justice, and the needs of others. The movement encourages ongoing compassion, understanding, and support for ministries that uplift communities and address human need.

This present time continues to be fractious because our disagreements are sharp, identities feel threatened, human lives are endangered, and trust is fragile. In many instances, that division may not or should not be bridged; we must be clear-eyed and resolute about standing up to injustice and speaking out when peace is threatened. But even so, we remain open to Paul’s words and to the purpose of the World Day of Prayer, which calls us to dismantle the “dividing wall of hostility” and to seek, wherever possible, the patient work of rebuilding understanding and common ground.

Lord Jesus, you are our peace. Break down the walls that divide us and reconcile us to one another and to you. Put to death the hostility in our hearts and make us one in your love. Amen.