What a genuine love song Jesus gives us today in John’s Gospel reading! So inclusive! So unconditional! So hopeful! Re-reading it several times brings our hearts tears of joy. We can imagine Jesus lifting his eyes to heaven and listening to him praying, and then we realize that he is praying not just for his loyal disciples but also for those who will believe in him through their words (and actions). He’s praying for everyone. He’s praying for us.

He trusts in his disciples. He trusts in us. He shares that he wants all to unite with him and become one – just as he is with the Creator. There are no divisions. There are no exceptions. There are no exclusions. He assures us that he has given us the same glory that he has received so that we may all be brought to perfection – as one. He considers us gifts!

He wants us to be with him to experience his glory. Jesus’ appeal is for all to be one in a sacred relationship so that perfection is realized. This truth is way beyond our human understanding, but we accept it as an incredibly awesome certainty through our faith.

But possibly, our re-reading also brings some tears of shame and repentance in our hearts. How can we reject our dear Lord Jesus Christ, who gave his all for us and wants it all for us? How can we not surrender to his beautiful love song?

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus Christ – You became one of us so that we may become one with you! We are reminded at every Eucharistic celebration: “By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”  May we humbly receive the Christ Jesus with grateful hearts and be the love he is and has for all. Amen.