That They May be One

In today’s Gospel Jesus prayed for the disciples that “they may be one.”  Like us Jesus’ first disciples were also a diverse group.  The one thing that bound them together was their desire to follow Jesus.  They all had different professions, different lifestyles and yet their common bond was Jesus. Jesus helped them rise above their differences.

After Jesus’ Ascension he saw that the disciples’ unity may waver but he still prayed that they would remain united.  Jesus knew that the Holy Spirit would come to them and guide them to found the Church.  He knew that it would not be easy and that they would have to work hard to preserve their unity.   Jesus’ prayer was not just for the disciples; it was for the whole body of Christ – past, present and future.  May we always follow Jesus’ invitation to be united together.

Pat Schifini, OSU