That They May Be One.
Seventh Sunday of Easter Year A

That They May Be One.

May 17, 2026

That They May Be One.

 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today’s Gospel gives us a very special moment — we hear Jesus praying to the Father before His Passion. This prayer is often called the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus.

It is deeply moving because we are allowed to listen to the heart of Christ.

And what does Jesus pray for?

👉 He prays for His disciples.
👉 He prays for unity.
👉 He prays for us.

1. Jesus Prays for His People

Before His suffering begins, Jesus turns to the Father in prayer.

This reminds us that prayer was central to the life of Jesus.

Even in moments of fear and difficulty, Jesus prayed.

How often do we try to handle life alone before turning to God?

Today’s Gospel reminds us:

  • prayer gives strength
  • prayer gives clarity
  • prayer keeps us united with God

2. “Father, Glorify Your Son”

Jesus speaks about glory, but not in the worldly sense of fame or power.

The glory of Jesus will be revealed through:

  • His sacrifice
  • His obedience
  • His love on the Cross

👉 True glory is found in self-giving love.

The world often glorifies wealth, popularity, and success.
But Jesus reveals that real greatness comes through humility and love.

3. Eternal Life

Jesus says:

“This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.”

Eternal life is not only something that begins after death.

It begins now — through a relationship with God.

To know God means:

  • to trust Him
  • to love Him
  • to walk in His ways

4. “That They May Be One”

One of the greatest desires of Jesus is unity.

He prays that His followers may remain one.

This message is very important today because our world is filled with:

  • division
  • hatred
  • conflict
  • misunderstanding

Even in families, communities, and churches, unity can be difficult.

But Christians are called to:

  • forgive
  • reconcile
  • love one another

👉 Unity does not mean we are all the same.
👉 It means we remain united in Christ.

5. Living Between Ascension and Pentecost

This Sunday comes between:

  • the Ascension of Jesus
  • and Pentecost

The disciples are waiting and praying.

This is also a reminder for us:
sometimes God asks us to wait patiently and trust Him before new grace comes.

Conclusion

Dear friends,

Today Jesus prays for us.

May we:

  • remain faithful in prayer
  • seek unity with one another
  • grow in our relationship with God
  • and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

And may our lives reflect the love and unity that Jesus desires for His people.

Amen.