May 16: Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 16:16-34
Psalm 97
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
John 17:20-26
In our gospel reading today, Jesus is a tremendous model for me of what it means to have faith in the midst of very difficult circumstances. Because if you think about what he’s doing, it’s really pretty amazing: he’s eating the last meal he will ever eat with his friends, he knows he’s going to be put to death pretty soon, and what is he doing? He’s praying for his disciples. Not just any prayer, but a very special one: he’s asking God that his disciples may be one, that they may experience unity.
Now let’s think about this: here is Jesus, who’s getting ready to go through the most horrific experience of his life, and he’s praying for unity amongst his disciples. What this says to me, is that even though Jesus is getting ready to go through the ultimate loss a human being can face, he is still aware that God can work in the midst of that extremely difficult circumstance, that God’s love and presence is still there, and will always be there, even when he is gone.
“May they all be one,” Jesus asked God the Father, even as he prepared to die, even though he must have been scared and upset.
This unity for which he prayed, this togetherness, is not the final word, however. The love, care and concern that Jesus’ disciples had for each other and that we, too should have for others is not just a cozy feeling that provides fond memories. No, the bonding that we experience in our families and communities should provide the foundation for our ability to go forth in the world as people who show God’s love to other people.
The love we receive from God, our families and our friends is never something that we are meant to keep all to ourselves, because that’s when love withers and dies. Love only grows and expands when it’s given away. Jesus knew this, and he prayed that even when he was gone, his love for his friends would live on. May we continue trying to live out both his prayer for unity and his love.
So true! Facing anxiety or suffering, self-absorption seems natural; to be concerned and praying for others is certainly supernatural or graced oneness with Abba! Thanks! Even if the reflection isn’t “weekly” it’s appreciated when you can make time for it. Peace!