I.
This week we are dropped in the middle, well towards the end, of the “upper room discourse” or Jesus’ farewell speech to his closest associates, followers, friends – the ones on whom he rests so much of his hope and “prayers.”

Many have called these words, “Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.”

As I write this, I am not sure “high priestly” is the tag I would apply, but I don’t have another to apply now, except to say it is to my hearing uttered with great passion, hope, and pain.

Well, with that too long preface let’s start our readings and reflections on these words.

As you take in these words make sure you notice who is speaking and who is spoken to and who is spoken about.

II.
John 17:14-24

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.

I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

III.
We have already called this Jesus’ prayer, so we know Jesus is one we can notice here.

Who else?

How near to and far from Jesus are those you notice?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}