Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 16, 2024

Date:  Thursday of the 7th Week of Easter

Scripture Text:  John 17:20-26

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, 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. 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. 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. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

 The gospel reading for today is a continuation of Jesus’ high priestly prayer as recounted in the Gospel of John. In today’s segment, Jesus’ prayer to the Father is for His disciples and all those who come to believe in Jesus because of the words of the disciples. Jesus’ prayer specifically seeks the loving unity of Christ and the Father for the disciples then and always, that the disciples be united with one another and with Christ and the Father.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I an agent of unity? Do I seek the unity Christ desired for me and for all, unity with Him and unity with one another?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come to You this day, Three Persons yet one LORD. We come full of desire to be your daughters and sons, your disciples, your tabernacle here on earth. Fill us with resolve for unity, though we are diverse. Strengthen not only our faith but also our desire to share it with others. Grant that we may put down our selfish desires and arrogant plans so that we may instead embrace your desire that we may all be united in You, with You, and through You. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.