Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth. — Psalm 68:33

Mass readings: Acts 20:28-38 / John 17:11-19 

That All May Be One 

For many years I had a friend and mentor named Henry. An editor by profession, Henry was a lifelong bookworm with a special interest in the Church, history and politics. In 1978, when a little known Polish cardinal became pope and took the name John Paul II, I went to Henry full of questions: “Who is this guy? Is he liberal? Conservative? What issues are going to be the most important to him?” At the last question, Henry blinked. “The most important issue for the head of the Church,” he said, “is always the same: unity.” 

Henry was right. In today’s Gospel, Jesus prays for His followers, who comprise, at that moment, the Catholic Church. “Keep them in your name,” He asks His Father, “so that they may be one, just as we are.” 

Prayer: Lord, help us to be one in love for You and for each other.