Sunday, May 17, 2026
John 17:11b
“Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”
Ah, now we finally get to the heart of Jesus’ prayer for the early disciples and for us: PROTECTION and UNITY.
What does it mean to belong? What does it mean to be family? We each may answer that question in different ways; some of us have great experiences of family and belonging, others have truly horrific experiences.
But Jesus’ prayer for us today is that we will all be safe and secure. And that we will be one, that we will be together in the same as that God–the Father-the Son-the Holy Spirit–are one.
How can ALL of us be safe and secure and together as one? I want that for myself–as I am sure we each do. But then we start to look around…and that weird kid, and that mean neighbor, that irresponsible coworker, that irritating person sitting behind me at the 9 AM worship service, that uncle with the different lifestyle, that niece with her wacky political views. Wait, Jesus…you really want us ALL???
Harumph. Look at me…in the space of one verse, suddenly all my ego and trauma and prejudice comes out. Gosh, Jesus, you soooo know me. You know I live in my human body in this broken world. You knew 2000 years ago that I would be reading this passage, and that I would want your love for me, but not for every other Christian…and honestly, not for the whole world.
But wait…Jesus promised that he would send someone to be with me, someone to walk beside me: The Holy Spirit.
So as we wait throughout this week, preparing ourselves for the festival of Pentecost, let us remember that we are not alone. Let us sit with the discomfort of Jesus wanting ALL to know Love, Protection, and Unity. How can we live into that vision today?
– Pr. Elizabeth
Jesus, thank you for praying for ME! And thank you for knowing how difficult it is to live in this broken world with broken people. Lord, let your light shine in me as I face this reality today. And let all be safe and secure and let us be one. Amen
