John 17: 20-26

Jesus said these things. Then, raising his eyes in prayer, he said:

I’m praying not only for them

But also for those who will believe in me

Because of them and their witness about me.

The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—

Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,

So they might be one heart and mind with us.

Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.

The same glory you gave me, I gave them,

So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—

I in them and you in me.

Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,

And give the godless world evidence

That you’ve sent me and loved them

In the same way you’ve loved me.

 

Father, I want those you gave me

To be with me, right where I am,

So they can see my glory, the splendour you

gave me,

Having loved me

Long before there ever was a world.

Righteous Father, the world has never known you,

But I have known you, and these disciples know

That you sent me on this mission.

I have made your very being known to them—

Who you are and what you do—

And continue to make it known,

So that your love for me

Gospel Reflection

In today’s passage, Jesus continued his prayer for his disciples.  Clearly he was concerned about them and their welfare. Jesus had experienced the tension and conflict that arose among his disciples at times.  He knew that the path ahead of them would be painful and difficult.  He also realized that if they were divided or at odds with one another, they would not be able to carry out His mission.

Jesus prayed not only for his disciples but he also prayed for all who would believe in him, no matter what century or nation the believers would live in.  Jesus longs for you and me to be one with him and with God, just as he longed for his disciples to experience this loving unity.

Can you remember a time in your life when you had a deep and loving sense of Jesus being present with you?  Take a moment and remember that time.  What emotions did you experience: awe, joy, confusion, or perhaps elation?

These moments of intimacy with Jesus are gift and grace.  We cannot manufacture these experiences.  However, we can open ourselves to them and we can ask to be graced with such love and peace.  Today may we be open and attentive to the ways Jesus may come to us.  At times Jesus comes in the most unexpected people or small happenings.  Stay alert and be watchful!