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The Greek word for the devil is “diavolos,” which is where we get the word “diabolical” from. This word literally means one who throws things in opposite directions, and this offers us insight into the work of the devil among humanity — to create division.

One the other hand, God calls us to unity. In Christ all fragmentation due to sin is healed. For example, in the Orthodox Church, we make a juxtaposition between what happens at the Tower of Babel and what happens at Pentecost:

The arrogance of those who built the tower caused the tongues to be confused, but now the tongues have been made wise through the glory of the knowledge of God! There the impious were condemned, now Christ has enlightened the fishermen with His Spirit! There the confusion of tongues was done in retribution; now harmony is restored for the salvation of our souls! (Pentecost Vespers)

At the Tower of Babel, because of the pride of the people we get the division of the tongues – the fragmentation of humanity. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes down in the form of tongues of fire and brings people together in the unity of the Church. The apostles go out and preach the good news, and people from various places speaking various languages can hear the gospel each in their own language.

The power of God, the work of God, the saving work of Jesus Christ, and the operation of the Holy Spirit brings us together. Out of discord, we get concord through God. What happens at the Tower of Babel because of pride is overcome, is healed by the humility and the service and the willingness to follow God of of the apostles and disciples on the day of Pentecost.

Love in Christ,
+FrAJ