Reflections from the May 8 Gospel
John 17:20-26
In his beautiful and heartfelt prayer to God the Father, Jesus expresses his deep desire for unity. He prays that “those who will believe in me … may all be one.” When we are filled with the love of God, we can truly be united to one another. God’s love sees the dignity of every human person, made in his own image. God’s love does not allow room for grudges and schisms. It is always ready to forgive and embrace.
But, alas, we get into fights. We argue, we criticize, we take revenge. We cause division where there ought to be unity. It’s especially tragic when this happens among Christians. Instead of finding fault in others, we would do well to ask ourselves how open we truly are to God’s love. Have we, like Jesus, prayed that this divine love would be in us? Have we tried to look upon others with the loving eyes of God? When we approach the inevitable conflicts in life with a heart full of God’s love, we can begin to serve as ambassadors of the unity that Christ so deeply desired.
Questions of the Week
John 17:20-26:
In what areas are Christians
unified today?
Acts 7:55-60:
Why do you think Luke introduces Saul (Paul) into the storyline of Acts at the stoning of Stephen?
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20:
What “recompense” from Christ do you anticipate for your deeds in this life?