JOHN 17:20-26 THAT THEY MAY BE ONE

Year A, Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter

In today’s Gospel, Jesus prays not only for His disciples, but also for all who will believe in Him—including us. And what does He pray for? “That they may all be one.”

That prayer feels very relevant today because division is everywhere. Families struggle to communicate. Friendships break. Communities become polarized. Even within ourselves, we sometimes feel divided—wanting peace, yet carrying anger, pride, or hurt.

Jesus knows how easily relationships can fall apart. That is why unity matters so much to Him. But the unity He speaks about is not pretending everything is perfect or agreeing on everything. It is a deeper unity built on love, patience, forgiveness, and humility.

And honestly, that is difficult. Loving people from a distance is easy. Living with them every day is harder.

Yet Jesus reminds us that real faith is not only about prayer and belief—it is also about how we treat one another. The world recognizes Christ not just through our words, but through the way we love, forgive, and remain together even when it is challenging.

Jesus also says, “I made known to them your name… so that the love with which you loved me may be in them.” In other words, we are not asked to create this love by ourselves. God Himself places it within us.

And maybe that is the hope we need today. Unity begins not with changing everyone else, but with allowing God’s love to soften our own hearts first.

Question to ponder today: What relationship in my life most needs more patience, forgiveness, or understanding from me right now?

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler