One of the most beautiful and touching prayer I have ever read and heard (John 17:20-26)

Syro Malabar Hindi Homily On Sixth Sunday of Resurrection by Fr Kurian Panayalil

JESUS PRAYS THAT ALL MAY BE ONE

INTRODUCTION

The farewell discourse of Jesus at the Last Supper ended with a prayer to the Father that contained didactic message to the apostles who were listening it. The prayer of Jesus was not only for the apostles present at that time, but also for his future followers. So we are all included in the prayer of Jesus. The main theme of this prayer was unity and mutual love of his followers. Just as the Son and the Father are one in love, we also need to remain in the love of God and love of one another. Let us apply this in our families, parish, communities and church at large.

Bible Text

(20) “I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, (21) so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. (22) And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, (23) I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. (24) Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. (25) Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. (26) I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”

Interpretation

This gospel passage of Jesus is a continuation of the last discourse of Jesus to his apostles on the night before his crucifixion. Though Jesus was addressing this to his beloved apostles, the last section given in chapter 17 was addressed to his Father. So this section has been known since the 16th century as “high priestly prayer.” They were educative for the apostles. They were for the love and unity of his immediate (John 17:6-19) and future (John 17:20-21) disciples.

Message

1. As humans, we have a natural tendency for division and conflicts because of the presence and influence of the evil in this world. Church is no exception. However, the differences were resolved with the grace of God and proper intervention of the responsible people. Let us continue with Jesus to pray for the unity of Christians.

2. Christian unity is essential for good witnessing and to attract non-believers and growing generations to the church. So, let us be vigilant to keep up the love and unity in our families, parishes, and the church at large.

3. Jesus foresaw disunity in the church created by the evil one. This could include dispute between couples, parents and children, siblings, in-laws, factions in the parishes or even between Christian communities. Let us remember the words of Jesus: “Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”(Matthew 5:23-24).

4. When there are ego clashes, let us remember the lesson of service that Jesus taught us: “Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:27-28).

5. In the first Council of Jerusalem, Peter’s concluding message on the resolution of the debate on circumcision was unanimously accepted. Let us also acknowledge and obey the directions and decisions of the church authorities who are responsible representatives of Jesus, the head of the church.

6. Jesus promised that if we love him and keep his word, Jesus and his Father will dwell in us and we will become one body with God. Let us be lovers and keepers of the Word of God.


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