Unity is rooted in love

Gospel

John 17:20-26

Father, may they be completely one

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said:

‘Holy Father,

I pray not only for these,

but for those also

who through their words will believe in me.

May they all be one.

Father, may they be one in us,

as you are in me and I am in you,

so that the world may believe it was you who sent me.

I have given them the glory you gave to me,

that they may be one as we are one.

With me in them and you in me,

may they be so completely one

that the world will realise that it was you who sent me

and that I have loved them as much as you loved me.

Father, I want those you have given me

to be with me where I am,

so that they may always see the glory you have given me

because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

Father, Righteous One,

the world has not known you,

but I have known you,

and these have known that you have sent me.

I have made your name known to them

and will continue to make it known,

so that the love with which you loved me may be in them,

and so that I may be in them.’

Reflection

In John 17:20-26, Jesus prays for unity among his followers, emphasizing that they may be one just as He and the Father are one. This deep unity is rooted in love, mutual indwelling, and shared purpose—so that the world may come to believe in Jesus and recognize God's love. Jesus’ prayer reminds us that our Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation but in community, marked by love, humility, and a shared commitment to God's mission. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this divine unity in our relationships with others, fostering love that points others toward God's love and presence in the world.

Question for Reflection:

How can I actively promote unity and love within my community or relationships today, so that others might come to see God's love through my actions?

Short Prayer:

Holy Father, thank You for the love and unity You have shown through Jesus. Help me to live in harmony with others, reflecting Your love and bringing glory to Your name. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may be a witness to the world of Your divine love and unity. May my life draw others closer to You, and may I always seek to be one with my brothers and sisters in Christ, just as You and Jesus are one. Amen.

Comments

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