Today's reflection on the Gospel according to John 17:11-19 revisits the so-called priestly prayer, a moment in which Jesus reveals the deep union between Himself and the Father. The Lord's words — "that they may be one as we are one" — indicate that unity, the fruit of charity among the apostles, should mirror Trinitarian love.
The consequences of this experience are significant. In the following verse (John 17:21), it reads: "That they also may be one in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." Unity among the apostles is a condition for the world to believe in Christ, not merely through external credibility, but because Christ came to give life "for the children of God who were scattered" (John 11:52). Therefore, love among parents and children, spouses, siblings, colleagues, and friends is so important. The Lord asks that we live charity with everyone.
Saint John, who transmits these vibrant words of Jesus, states with conviction: "Whoever does not love his brother, whom he sees, cannot love God, whom he does not see."
The Lord expects us to allow each of our relationships and bonds to be illuminated. This was the experience of Saint Josemaría, who teaches that "to love in a Christian way means to will, to decide in Christ to seek the good of souls without discrimination of any kind" (Friends of God, 231). Therefore, "if you love the Lord, there will be no creature that does not find a place in your heart" (Way of the Cross, Eighth Station, point 5).