Fr Paul reads from the Gospel of John (17: 20-26), in which Jesus praying to the Father says, ’I have given them the glory you have gave to me that they may be one, as we are one; with me in them and you in me, may they be so completely one that the world will realise it was you who sent me and that I have loved them as much as you loved me’.

Today, we are hearing the final part of the prayer Jesus has been praying, which Fr Paul told us yesterday is called the High Priestly prayer. In this prayer today, Jesus turns his attention from his disciples to the wider group of future disciples and he prays for their unity. He does so because their unity is a sign of their love for each other.  It is also a sign of their love for Jesus.  It is also a sign of the love between Jesus and the Father.  Unity was to be a sign for the whole world.

For our reflection today, Fr Paul says we might for unity among our family and friends, among our church, the wider community and indeed the world.