"And now that I am no longer in the world, but they are in the
world, and I am coming to you, Holy Father, protect them in your name that you
have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one." (v. 11)
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD
Just as I am …
estranged, rebellious, seeking my own way, concerned about my own
needs, fleeing from the cross, seeking my own safety, avoiding my
brothers and sisters
in church and in the world. In so many ways, our life is a rebellion
against the way of God who so loved the world that he sent his only
son (John 3:16).
But Jesus prays for us, prays that we might be brought into the
life and will of the Holy God, Father, Son and Spirit. He prays that we might be
one just as the Father and the Son are one.
Notice this is not a oneness simply amongst ourselves, a oneness
in rebellion and having our way in our own small world. There is a oneness that
is demonic, a oneness of my world against the world of another. Jesus prays that
we might have a unity among us that is first and foremost a unity in the life
and love God gives. He had spoken of it before; those who follow Jesus
faithfully will be as branches connected to a vine (John 15) or as sheep in the
fold of the good shepherd (John 10). In him there will be life in community and
good deeds in the world.
Global warming, AIDS in Africa, war in Iraq, new immigrants in
our neighborhood. This is the world for which the Father sent the Son; it is the
world of which Jesus speaks when he prays for our oneness: that the world may
believe that you have sent me (John 17:21). As we contemplate these events
of Holy Week, let us remember the world outside the walls of the church, the
world beyond our own lives. To be caught up in the life and will of God is to be
caught up in God’s sending of Jesus out of love for the world.
Just as I am . . . reconciled and restored, forgiven and
made whole, brought into oneness with the Holy God and the holy communion of
saints … for the sake of the world.
Bishop Gerald Mansholt
Central States Synod
