And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, 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.
(John 22:23)
In quiet prayer, He lifts His eyes,
A plea for love that never dies.
Not just for those within His sight,
But all who walk in faith and light.
A bond so strong, a love so true,
That hearts may shine in golden hue.
As Father, Son are joined as one,
So we, through grace, are never done.
May love divine in us reside,
With mercy flowing, side by side.
A witness bright for all to see,
That Christ in us will ever be.
His glory given, a gift so bright,
To walk in truth, to share His light.
May we in unity remain,
One voice, one heart, in Jesus' name.
Lord Jesus,
You prayed for us long ago, that we may be one, as you and the Father are one. Your love binds us, stronger than any force, calling us to live in harmony and truth.
Fill our hearts with Your divine love, that we may reflect your glory in all we do. Help us to forgive, to heal, to embrace, to be a witness of your grace to the world. May our unity shine as a light of hope, drawing others into your presence and peace. Let your love dwell in us richly, so that we may always walk in Your truth.
In your holy name, we pray,
Amen.
Pericope
III: The Book of Glory
THE PRAYER OF JESUS
John 17:1-26
Gospel Acclamation
May they all be one as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that the world may believe that you sent me, says the Lord.
Gospel | John 17:20-26
20 Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “I pray not only for these, 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.”
Historical Context and Background:
John 17:20-26 is part of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, a deeply significant moment in the Gospel of John.
This passage occurs within the Farewell Discourse, a series of teachings Jesus gives to His disciples before His crucifixion. Historically, this prayer reflects Jesus' desire for unity among His followers, emphasizing their connection to Him and the Father.
The Gospel of John is known for its unique language and theological depth, often using antilanguage, a form of communication that creates an insider reality for the Johannine community. This suggests that John’s Gospel was written for a distinct Christian group that sought to maintain solidarity while differentiating itself from other Jewish and Christian communities of the time.
Additionally, John 17 is often compared to Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, recorded in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). While those accounts focus on Jesus' personal anguish, John presents a broader theological vision, highlighting glory, unity, and divine love.
Learning Lessons:
Jesus Prays for Unity – Jesus prays not only for His disciples but for all future believers, emphasizing the importance of oneness among His followers. He desires that they be united just as He and the Father are one.
Unity Reflects God's Nature – The unity Jesus speaks of is not just organizational but spiritual—a reflection of the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This teaches us that true unity is rooted in God’s love and truth.
Love as the Foundation – Jesus highlights that the love of the Father is given to believers, showing that love is the core of Christian faith. This reminds us that our relationships should be built on grace, forgiveness, and compassion.
A Witness to the World – Jesus prays that believers' unity will be a testimony to the world, proving that He was sent by the Father. This teaches us that our actions and relationships should reflect Christ’s love, drawing others to faith.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot