Daily Reflection Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter

As someone who grew up amid the sectarian “Troubles” in Northern Ireland and whose family has been scarred by religious divisions, Jesus’ heartfelt prayer for unity among his disciples and all believers has always been important to me. His words carry profound wisdom for all of us who follow Christ.
Jesus shows his concern not only for his own disciples but for all who will come to believe in him throughout the generations. His prayer extends to each one of us, as we continue to share the message of Christ.
The unity that Jesus desires goes beyond any superficial harmony. It’s rooted in the love and perfect bond between the Father and the Son. Jesus invites us into the divine union, where our love for one another reflects the love of the Trinity.
The purpose of this unity is “that the world may believe that you have sent me.” When we live in harmony, despite our differences, and when we see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, we become living witnesses to the truth of Jesus’ message.
As followers of Christ, we’re invited to participate in the mission of making God’s name known and sharing God’s love with a broken and divided world. May the Lord empower us with the Holy Spirit so that we may authentically live out this prayer of Jesus.