Acts 20:28-38,
Psalm 68:33-35a.35b,
John 17: 11b-19 Full Readings
That they may be One
The Gospel today continues to present to us Jesus' Priestly Prayer in his discourse after last supper. This middle part of the high priestly prayer of Jesus centres on the separation of the followers of Jesus from the world. He prays that they may remain One as Father and Him are one. Jesus has given them his Word and prays that they may remain uncontaminated by the world and the Evil One. This part justifies the title ‘High Priestly Prayer’ because the priestly function involves sanctifying others. Here Jesus speaks of sanctifying himself, so that his followers may not only be protected from the Evil One, but also may be sanctified as he is sanctified.
There are two aspects we can Reflect on in this Gospel and from first reading. Firstly is Jesus' prayer that those whom He has gathered may remain One. Jesus was praying for unity among all his disciples and the whole Church. This unity should be based on the fact that Jesus and His Father are one and are united. What was to keep that unity among them? They were to remain devoted to the word of God and not to be led astray by the world. By the world Jesus means that which is contrary to God's will.
As the church of Christ, we have to keep this unity too, otherwise we become Christians by name. The only secret to keep this unity is to heed to Jesus' teaching and practicing Christian values summarised by love. Brethren, we should always strive to promote unity not only in our church but also with other denominations. This unity is not excluded from our families, places of work, our communities and other human aspects. Paul in first readings warns us that there are wolves which will come to break this unity and so we have to be aware of them and conquer them by our unity.
The second aspect is Jesus' prayer for protection from the Evil one. This is a powerful prayer for us. Brethren, the devil is real and we need divine protection. It comes to us with enticing things which can easily take us astray leaving God aside. How are we to be protected from Evil one? By being consecrated in Truth which is the word of God. Brethren if we heed to the word of God, it's teachings and the teachings of the church which is only truth, the Evil one cannot take us astray unless we choose to. Paul warns us again that the Evil one or wolves will not have mercy on us and so we have to watch, pray and seek divine protection so that we remain firm in faith.
Reflect today on Jesus' prayer for us. How much are you keeping unity right away from your family to the world level? How much are you taken away by the world leaving the word of God aside? How much effort are you putting in fighting the Evil? Spend some time in silence and pray for the Graces you need to remain united to Jesus.
Let us Pray.
Lord Jesus may we recognise daily the need for one another as Christians and the need for you God as the author and sustainer of our lives. Amen
Blessed Easter Season and don't forget to pray Novena to the Holy Spirit
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