# No More Division: Opening Our Hearts to God in Advent
*2015-12-17*

> Bill Young reflects on the first reading of Advent, 1 Cor 1:10, and the life of St. Hildegard of Bingen, urging listeners to seek unity and avoid division, especially in the light of Pope Francis’ call for love.

## Opening and Theme

Good afternoon. I’m Bill Young, and welcome to Prayer at Lunch. Today is Thursday, the third week of Advent. Our focus is “Opening Our Hearts to God” and praying through Advent with Pope Francis. The Scripture reading for today is 1 Cor 1:10, and the theme is “No More Division.”

## Scripture and the Call to Unity

Paul writes, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissension among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” This is a clear invitation to live as one body, avoiding the temptations of division and discord.

## St. Hildegard of Bingen

Our saint for today is St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098‑1179), a German mystic, poet, composer, and Doctor of the Church. In her visions she saw humanity as rays of God’s light, like sunbeams spreading daylight. She reminds us that each person reflects God’s love and must stay connected to that divine illumination.

## Prayer for Unity

Let us pray: “Lord, grant that we may become more and more united, never to be instruments of division. Enable us to commit ourselves, as the beautiful Franciscan prayer says, ‘Where there is hatred, let love arise; where there is injury, let forgiveness; where there is discord, let peace.’ No more division, Lord, we ask.”

## Pope Francis’ Vision

Pope Francis, following the example of St. Francis of Assisi, calls us to a “sorrowful love” that overcomes hatred and division. He urges us to be peacemakers, embodying the same compassion that Christ showed to the world.

*In Advent, let us become rays of God’s light, united in love and purpose, rejecting all forms of division.*