Prayer
Ponderings of Grace Archives

Ponderings of Grace - Seventh Sunday of Easter

"That they may be one just as we are one!" Jn 17:11

 

How apropos that today's Gospel begins with these words that identify the mission and charism of the Sisters and Associates of Saint Joseph, who claim Saint Mary by-the-Sea as our home-away-from-home!

As humans in the 21st century, we are deeply aware that this dream and desire of Jesus for us and our world is far from reality. Or is it?

With all that we have learned about our universe and ourselves over the last one hundred years, we need to see that we are the ones who have it backwards. Jesus isn't hoping we'll be one. He is reminding us at every turn that we already are one! We have yet to discover this truth and, more importantly, to live out of it.

Perhaps this is the truth in which Jesus wants to be consecrated (vs 19). Just before Easter we heard Jesus speak to Pilate about truth. Pilate's question is the same one that is volleyed back and forth in too many divisive conversations today. Jesus makes it clear. "God's word is truth."  As we strive to live unity ever more deeply and honestly, it will become reality. We have God's word on it!

 

--Dot Urban, SSJ