Gospel: John 17: 20-26
"...that the love with which you loved me may be in them..."
The first letter of John reminds us that the origin of human love is God - we were first loved by God which then enables us to love one another. This love of God has its first expression in the very act of creation which is the sharing of God's divine communion with other beings across a vast and complex universe, a love that we human beings are privileged to share as well.
But in order for us to understand how to love, Jesus becomes our model of human love in selfless giving solely for the good of others in deeds of mercy - in healing, liberating, and nourishing others. This love even extends to our enemies and those who hate us. It enables us to forgive them of the wrongs they did to us, and to even serve them in their needs. Jesus expressed such love in embracing Judas his betrayer, and in forgiving those who mocked and executed him on the cross.
It is this love that provides us with the radical unity for which Jesus prays here in this chapter. Such unity cannot occur through coercion or force of law. It can only come from a love freely received and freely given to others. It is only this love that can transform the world and lead to radical change in our individual lives and in our lives in community.
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