The Power of Unity: A Prayer of Jesus, A Call to Us

Fr. Paul Mashonga, SMM

Fr. Paul is the assistant to The Company of Mary’s Superior General. They are visiting the United States from Rome and attended Mass at The Shrine of Our Lady of the Island, Dedicated to Mary, Queen of All Hearts.

The Power of Unity: A Prayer of Jesus, A Call to Us

This Homily, delivered in the middle of the Novena leading up to Pentecost, . . .

. . . centers on three key Christian themes: unity, faithfulness, and eternal hope.

The Homily emphasizes that Jesus, in His final prayer, did not ask for power or success for His followers but prayed for their unity . . . a unity modeled after the perfect harmony within the Holy Trinity. This unity reflects God’s nature and serves as a spiritual weapon against division and evil.

The first reading highlights faithfulness through the example of Stephen, who, even when facing death by stoning, kept his eyes on heaven and remained united with God, undistracted by his persecutors. His martyrdom serves as a call to remain steadfast in faith, even when confronted by opposition, fear, or discouragement.

The Homilist also shares a personal story about facing familial opposition while entering religious formation, illustrating how conviction and trust in God can sustain one through personal trials.

Lastly, the second reading is seen as a source of eternal hope, urging believers to long for Christ’s return and to live with a hopeful, enduring faith that reflects in their daily lives.

The Homily ends with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to bring healing, courage, love, unity, and life-giving hope.

Hear more on how we do this in this Meditation Media. Listen to:

The Power of Unity: A Prayer of Jesus, A Call to Us

Quote from the Homily

In the prayer of Jesus in the gospel, we have heard that Jesus is not praying for their success. He’s not praying that they may have power. What He is praying for is unity among his believers, among those who believe in him! Unity among ourselves. So the greatest desire of Jesus among his apostles is none other than unity.

And the basis of this unity, Jesus says as I am one with you, that they too may also be one. What does that mean? Any community? Any personal individual who lives in unity with the father or with God who lives in love among themselves, that is a reflection of God’s nature. God the Father, God the Son, God, the Holy Spirit, they’re all one, one God, the perfection of unity, and those who live this unity.

Transfiguration: Danish Painter: Carl Bloch: 1872

Why was this image chosen? Jesus is appearing in His Glory. A Glory He wishes for all of us! For us, our eternal hope is for eternal life and to live with Our Lord in Glory.

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