💖 HOMILY - JUNE 28 💖

First Reading - 2 Timothy 2:22-26 

Gospel - John 17:20-26

One of the deepest desires of the human heart is to belong—to be united with others in love, peace, and understanding. This longing reflects something far greater than social harmony; it echoes the divine communion that exists in the very heart of God. The readings of today center around this theme of unity, a unity rooted in the love between the Father and the Son and extended to all who believe in Christ. Jesus, in His final moments before His Passion, reveals His greatest desire for us: that we may all be one.

In today’s Gospel, we are invited into an intimate moment of prayer between Jesus and the Father. This is part of Jesus’ high priestly prayer, in which He prays not only for His apostles but for all future believers—for each of us. And what does He pray for? Unity. “That they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you.” This is not just a call to be friendly or cooperative; it is an invitation to enter into the very life of God—a communion of love, truth, and mission.

Such unity is not superficial. It is rooted in divine love and meant to be the Church’s witness to the world: “so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” When Christians are united in love and truth, the world sees something of God. But when we are divided, the face of Christ becomes blurred. That is why Jesus prays so fervently for our oneness.

In the first reading, St. Paul instructs Timothy on how to live this unity out in practical terms. Paul urges him to “shun youthful passions” and instead pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. These are the conditions for unity. It’s not about asserting dominance or being right all the time. Unity grows where there is humility, kindness, and a heart ready to serve and forgive. Paul reminds us that the servant of the Lord must be gentle and patient, especially with those who oppose us—not argumentative or harsh. This gentleness is not weakness; it is the strength of one who lives in the Spirit of Christ.

So how do we live this unity in our daily lives? It begins with the heart. We must first be reconciled with God through prayer and humility. From that place of inner peace, we can then work to bring reconciliation and unity to our families, communities, and Church. We need to ask ourselves: Am I someone who builds up or someone who divides? Do I promote understanding or cling to prejudice? Do I forgive easily or hold on to hurts?

Today, Jesus invites us to share in His desire: that we may be one as He and the Father are one. Let us open our hearts to this divine unity and become instruments of peace and communion in a world so often torn by division.

May God grant us the grace to live in such unity, so that through us, the world may believe in the love of the Father revealed in Jesus Christ.