A Few Words On "The Word"

May 20, 2007
Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year C

John 17:20-26

Can You Relate?

Have you ever just sat and watched a married couple or two close friends? Even if you don't know them at all, you can usually tell how close they are by their body language and the joy on their faces. Maybe you know two people who almost seem to have become the same person. Years of marriage or relating to one another have blurred the line that separates their personalities. While they are certainly each still unique, they know each other extremely well and can seemingly tell what the other person is thinking or feeling without saying a word.

I hope you get to experience a relationship that looks like the ones above, perhaps you already have. Even though building a close relationship with a spouse or friend takes time and dedication it is truly fulfilling and life-giving. Deep friendship gives us an opportunity to learn more about ourselves, to share common interests and beliefs, and to become one with someone we grow to love and know just like we know and love ourselves.

Jesus understands exactly what it's like to have this kind of amazing relationship. Jesus' close connection to his Father through the Holy Spirit is evident and obvious throughout the gospels. Jesus also knows what it's like be close friends with his fellow human beings because of the apostles. In today's gospel, Jesus says a prayer, asking that we, his followers, might be able to enjoy intimacy with God and one another, becoming one just like he and the Father are one.

For the unity that Jesus longs for to occur our most foundational relationship must be with God. Jesus wants us to have an intimate relationship with him just like the ones we've been talking about above. What makes our relationship with Jesus special is that it feeds all the other relationships in our life.

Jesus desires for all people to live in oneness. When we stop to think about it we realize that relationships are the building blocks of peacemaking. We see that Jesus' ministry was full of relationships. His friendship with God enabled him to establish human relationships that brought about peace.

We, like Jesus, must commit to spending time with those around us in need, building relationships based on our own friendship with God. Though it's never easy to build a deeply intimate friendship like the kind married couples might share, we must at least make efforts to relate in some way to all those around us. We must care enough to spend some time getting to know those in need. Only when we stop long enough to be present to others can we begin to spread a peace that truly lasts. We won't necessarily be building our most intimate relationships but we will be bringing about the oneness Jesus desires for God's people.

Reflection Question

In what ways have you been surprised when you began relating to others in need?

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