THAT THEY MAY BE ONE
As
disciples of Jesus, we carry on His work and His commitment to love,
heal and reach out to those in need. Jesus is well aware of the
struggles His disciples will endure in following Him. That’s why He asks
the Father to protect them and their work. Jesus is making known to the
Father the depth of His love for the disciples: “Consecrate them in the
truth.”
We are to be consecrated in the truth — meaning, to be set apart to
proclaim the Truth, which is Jesus Himself. He is the Way, the Truth,
and the Life. Many people now are caught up in falsehood and deception.
We need to speak truth into their lives. At the trial of Jesus, when He
was arrested, Pilate asked Jesus what was truth. Truth is in relation to
knowing who you are before God. Truth is about knowing that life
doesn’t end here. Truth is acknowledging our weakness and sinfulness,
and trusting in the One who forgives and heals us. Truth is humility. We
are sent into the world to witness to that truth.
Jesus prays for unity among His disciples — that they may all be one.
Blessed Pope John Paul II wrote an encyclical along this quote, “That
they may all be one” (Ut Unum Sint, May 25, 1995). He wrote of
his desire to reawaken the words of Jesus among all Christians in
preparation for the Great Jubilee Year 2000. He desired that the
Christian disciples of this world be reunited and transformed to bring
the Gospel to all people. What terrible
dishonesty and deception to see Jesus’ disciples disunited in belief
and teaching. Unity and truth are important in a disciple’s
life.
Did you know that when the priest breaks a small piece of the
Eucharistic Bread and places it on the chalice, it symbolizes those who
cannot take part in the Eucharist and those of our separated brethren?
It also signifies our unity with the Pope in Rome. In the Mass, let us
pray for unity among all disciples of Jesus. Though we have different
beliefs, we profess one faith, one Lord, and one baptism that unites us
all. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION
QUESTIONS: Do you see yourself as consecrated, set apart in the truth?
Is your life a good witness of truth and love to your neighbor?
Jesus,
may I share Your joy in being one with You and the Father. Protect me
while in this world, remembering that I belong to You. Amen.
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