I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:11-16)

I have been getting into my Irish heritage by learning the history. Especially as a Catholic, I have been learning more about the issues of Northern Ireland where my ancestors are from (County Antrim). While those my age outside of Ireland saw The Troubles on the nightly news in America, and yes, there are still issues, the clip of the Real Derry Girls brings hope. You may wonder why I bring this situation up in relation to the opening verses. Simple.

While the issues arise from the conquering of the northern part of Ireland and forced submission to the crown in England centuries ago, that political divide is seen in a Catholic versus Protestant lens. I won’t go into the normal views of these two groups of Christians on the other. For me, the whole ‘No salvation outside the church’ versus the whole ‘the Church is the seat of the antiChrist’ mentality forget the words of our Lord.

I have been both Protestant (I was a huge anti Catholic Church person back in the beginning of my walk with Christ) and am now a devout Catholic Christian. Being devout does not mean I don’t question a few of the magisterial teaching of the church. It means that that the main tenets of faith, as held in the Nicean-Constantinople Creed (and yes, that is the full name) are the core beliefs of my faith. I am fully in understanding that Christ is fully resent in the Eucharist. Because it was said by Christ himself on many occasions. (John 6:48-59, Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20). I bring this part of the faith up because it a big issue between Catholics and the majority of Protestants. Although, many modern Catholics question the Eucharist as well.

This is just of a few differences between the two groups. But from a basic look, the troubles in Northern Ireland are way beyond just differences in faith and politics. I won’t touch on either of those in this article. What I will talk about is the statement Christ made in the verses at the beginning of this article. ‘I have other sheep which are not of this fold’.

As I watched this, and other videos, of the conflict between the two sides, it was not only about the history of division and war. It was the stories of hope that got my attention. The Derry Girls video was the story of starting to build a bridge by bringing women from both sides together and hearing their stories. Hear how the Troubles personally effected them and how the peace walls in Derry may be a hindrance to reconciliation. Other videos also showed that, while yes there are still issues that need resolved, there is a hope of reconciliation and peace between the two.

I am not foolish enough to think that there are multiple facets to this issue. But I’m going to just center on all of those that proclaim Christ as their savior. Despite the differences in theological or doctrinal views, we are all family and heirs to the King Jesus Christ. Sons and daughters of the most high. And yes, like every family with multiple siblings, there will be issues between us. But at the end of the day, we are siblings and children of God through the blood of Christ at the Cross. It is not important about the sign out front of your building. Its not important that you seek intercession of Mother Mary or the Saints (its not command, only suggested).

There will be doctrinal and theological differences between Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant. But to say one is better or that God will only accept one or the other defies the sovereignty of GOD. The real way to end this, or any other conflict, secular or religious (between Christians) is a change of heart and mind. That is only done through prayer, fasting, and a total reliance upon God alone. Not referendum on a ballot for unity of an island. Not on driving a government out so another can take control. And not a blind reverence of one denomination or church over another. 

We are told the commandments of loving God first and our brother second. ‘And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him.  “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”  And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:34-40) 

It seems that we have forgotten that his sheep are not of the same flock. Reread the opening verses of this article. Then as, why are we making enemies of other Christians? Why do we make them an enemy? And if one has the idea that if they don’t go to our church, they can’t be true Christians, and you see them as an enemy of the faith, remember the words of Christ. ‘You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ (Matthew 5:43-48).

While this is an issue in Northern Ireland, it is also an issue anywhere the different Christian groups are together. While we are to speak of our faith in Christ as our only link to salvation, we are to remember we are still family in faith to the only true Father in Heaven. Understand that there are differences. Understand that there will always be disagreements, both doctrinal and theological. But the one thing we all have in common is found at the foot of the cross and an empty tomb. That is where the divisions of the faith will start to heal.