A Final Prayer

Gospel: John 17: 11-18

Before Jesus leaves this earth, he prays that his followers be protected from evil, and that they be one with each other just as he and the Father are one.  This unity has proven elusive from the very beginning and remains ever so to this day.  Many attempts are made to achieve this unity: doctrinal statements and creeds, uniform liturgy, standardized codes of canon law.  But all of these are really about power and who wields it.  They are not authentic attempts at Christian unity.

The first generation of Christians did something different.  They gathered together in an upper room and waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit.  Led by the promptings of the Spirit, they then went out to perform the healing works and deeds of Jesus.  They healed the blind and the lame.  They fed those who were hungry.  They provided for the needs of the community through a common collection for that purpose alone.  They did not own lavish buildings; they met people where they were at: in homes and marketplaces.  

Perhaps if we followed this example we might achieve the unity we claim to seek.  If unity was primarily about the healing work of Jesus and not about power and control we might actually come to be united with one another as Jesus hoped and prayed we might be.