28 April | Youth
«That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.» John 17:21
A story is told of a king who wanted to conquer two cities. One had 80,000 inhabitants and the other, 40,000. The king called his wise advisor and asked him: “How many soldiers should I send to destroy each of the cities?” The wise man replied: “I cannot give the answer now. I need 15 days. Only then will I have the answer.” The king had no alternative but to wait.
After 15 days, the wise man presented himself again to the king and said: “My king, for the city of 80,000 inhabitants, you must send 20,000 soldiers. For the city of 40,000 inhabitants, 60,000 soldiers must be sent.” The king was surprised. “What do you mean,” he said, “I should take triple the number of soldiers to fight a smaller city?!” The wise man gave a slight smile and replied: “Trust me, your majesty. You will know later.”
The army was sent, and it did not take long to conquer the city of 80,000 inhabitants. The victory was quick and with few casualties. Then the king sent troops to the city of 40,000 inhabitants. This was the bloodiest battle in the kingdom. Many soldiers died and the army almost lost the war.
After returning home, the king finally called the wise man and said: “I need you to explain to me what happened.” The wise man looked at the sovereign and replied: “Do you remember that I asked for 15 days? During this period, I visited both cities, spending a week in each place. In the city of 80,000 in-habitants, I realized that the people were divided, and the families were estranged. I imagined that that city would be easily conquered. However, in the smaller city, I noticed that the people were united, and the authorities were orderly and loyal. I saw how difficult it would be to win it over. So, I suggested we take twice as many soldiers.” The king was extremely happy and honored that man with many gifts. He understood that there is strength and wisdom in unity.
In His parting words, Jesus invited the disciples to be united with God and with each other. This was the divine strategy to shake the world with the gospel. The question that remains for us today is: Are we united in the same love and the same ideal?