To read the texts click on the texts:Acts22:30-23:6-11; Jn 17:20-26
In these last verses of the
prayer, Jesus expands the circle of those for whom he prays to include
believers of the future. Since Jesus did not come to make a limited revelation,
but one that was meant to embrace the whole world, it is only appropriate that
he pray also for those who will believe because of the disciples’ word and
witness. The primary invocation that Jesus makes here is the all be one. It is
a petition for unity. The reason for this petition is that Jesus wants all
those who will believe in him to share in the same relationship that he shares
with his Father. Just as Jesus and the Father are one, so, he prays, that all
believers will also share in this mutual indwelling. When this unity is seen by
those who do not yet believe, they, too, will be inspired to know and believe
that Jesus was indeed sent by God. Unity of the community, which has as its
source the unity of the Son and Father, will be the drawing force that will
lead others to Jesus. By the unity that is shown in community, those who
believe in Jesus will also be able to complete God’s work in the same way in
which Jesus did.
In the last three verses of
the prayer (17:24 -26),
there is a greater intensity. Petition changes to want. This is not to be
interpreted as selfishness but rather, as audacity or confidence. Jesus is
confident that his Father will give him what he wants and also, that this is
his Father’s will for him and all believers. What Jesus wants is that God, he,
and the believers, share in a mutual indwelling. What he wants is that all be
one. This oneness and unity is expressed in the tangible reality of love.
Christianity was
never meant to be, and can never be, a private religion. Everything about
Christianity is both individual and communitarian. The seven Sacraments are
beautiful examples of the communal dimension of Christianity. This is because
Jesus did not come to make a private or esoteric revelation to only a small
group of individuals but to make a revelation to the whole world. Thus, the
community of believers today is faced with this challenge of showing the
communal dimension or unity of the community and so, drawing others to believe.
It is a tremendous privilege and responsibility. It is a privilege because we
are called to continue the work of Jesus himself and so share in the mission
entrusted to him by his Father. It is a responsibility because, as believers,
we cannot be complacent and content with our private devotions or individual
faith. We must manifest it to everyone
we meet. It is a faith that is to be shown in action, a faith that is to be shown
in tangible love.
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