The world today suffers from a lack of unity. This is evident in the divisions within families, among neighbors, and between churches and communities, to name just a few examples. Polarization seems to prevail over understanding. This is a consequence of individualism taking the lead, pushing people to decide and act independently, seeking their own self-interest or personal prestige, while disregarding others, their needs, and their rights.
And yet, it is possible to experience unity. It is a path that always begins small, with an inner "yes": yes to welcoming, yes to forgiving, yes to living for others. It is not about grand projects, but about small acts of faithfulness that, over time, transform a life, a community, an entire environment. And when this happens, we realize that fraternity ceases to be an ideal and becomes a visible reality and a source of hope for all.
Martin Buber considers unity to be relationship. It is the space of encounter, the space that exists between the Thou and the I, a sacred place where differences do not disappear, but rather recognize each other. For him, unity is born when two realities allow themselves to touch, not when one imposes itself on the other. This “between” can be understood as a space that embraces diversity and, precisely for that reason, becomes a source of communion. Therefore, for Buber, All true life is encounter (Ich und Du, 1923).
Thus, in the other—be it a friend, a family member, or anyone we encounter on our path—we discover the great “opportunity of relationship.” In particular, the other “saves us” when a difficult situation seems to imprison us in our fears, allowing us to transcend ourselves. To live in unity means walking together despite our differences, transforming them into a treasure rather than an obstacle. It is an invitation to move from mere coexistence to true encounter, where what belongs to each person, in reciprocity, becomes new because it is shared and placed in relation to others. Unity, understood in this way, is neither the sum of the two nor fragility: it is a strength that generates hope that there is still a tomorrow. Diversity is no longer a lack of unity, but rather becomes mutual enrichment. It is feeling that what happens in the other also resonates within me. Union is not about equality, but about harmony., Rabindranath Tagore reminds us.
May this month bring us the joy, light, life, peace, and hope that come from lived unity. When we are one, everything is perceived differently.
