Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 17, 11b-19
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:
“Holy Father, keep them in your name
that you have given me,
so that they may be one just as we are one.
When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me,
and I guarded them, and none of them was lost
except the son of destruction,
in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
But now I am coming to you.
I speak this in the world
so that they may share my joy completely.
I gave them your word, and the world hated them,
because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the Evil One.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”
Unity
1. That they may be one. If there is some criticism that hits us hard, it’s the lack of unity among those of us who are within the Church. I believe that this issue of unity is one in which we continue to be lacking, both within our Church, as well as in our relationship with other churches. There are the evangelists and the various branches, the Catholics, the internal group conflicts, the priests and the arguments among them, the nuns and the disputes within their own communities, among others. But the wonderful thing about all of this is that despite everything, “the Church continues,” because unity is generated by the Holy Spirit, and it is the Spirit who guides the Church.
2. Unity. Jesus invites us to be united and not to be uniform, because unity accepts differences and sees potential for growth in those differences. However, currently, there is a tendency to view those with different opinions as enemies or scoundrels. Uniformity would mean that we should all be the same, and that’s not what Jesus is referring to. Uniformity implies sameness and lack of distinction, which is not realistic and can lead to discord. In some families, one parent may desire uniformity in thoughts and behaviors, leading those who think differently to be considered the black sheep of the family. Similarly, organizations may exclude individuals with alternative perspectives, perceiving them as threats. It’s quite unlikely to achieve complete uniformity and even trying to do so may weaken the diverse charisma and skills that contribute to the development and enrichment of humanity, family dynamics, and the Church itself. What Jesus proposes is that we accept our differences and learn to walk forward, without competition, because we are all walking towards eternity. We all want and must reach Heaven.
3. In truth: Living in truth means accepting reality instead of creating a fictitious world. Learn to accept things as they are and don’t chase unrealistic dreams. You reap what you sow, but sometimes you want to harvest things you didn’t sow because you lie to yourself. Be persistent and clear about your decisions and desires in life. To live in truth, it’s important to recognize and understand yourself.
Always remember that something good is on the way.
God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
