I Wish where I am they also may be with me

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Seventh Week:  Thursday*

*Gospel :  John 17: 20-26*

*First Reading : Acts 22:30; 23:6-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : 16:1-11*

*I Wish where I am they also may be with me*

*1) “Where I am” — Where is Jesus?*

Jesus speaks on more than one level here.

*A) Jesus is “with the Father”*

Throughout Gospel of John, Jesus repeatedly says he came from the Father and returns to the Father. So “where I am” points toward divine communion — life in the love of God.

He is speaking of: resurrection life, glory, eternal fellowship with the Father.

This is not merely a physical location like a city or throne room. It is participation in God’s own life and love.

*B) Jesus is also present among his people*

Elsewhere Jesus says: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15)

So Jesus is not only speaking of a future heaven. He speaks of a relationship already beginning now.

To be “where Jesus is” means: to live in his love, to share his truth, to participate in his way of life, to dwell in communion with God.

*2) What is the place of the disciples?*

Jesus does not describe disciples as servants standing far away. The astonishing thing in this prayer is intimacy.

He prays: “that they may be one, as we are one” “I in them, and You in Me”

The disciples are invited into: unity, shared love, participation in divine life.

This is one of the highest ideas in Christian spirituality: human beings are invited into communion with God.

Not equality with God in essence, but participation in God’s love and life.

Their “place” is: in Christ, in the Father’s love, among one another in unity.

*3) Unity is Central*

Jesus repeats “that they may be one.” This is not merely organizational unity or agreement on every detail. It is a living unity rooted in love.

The model is the relationship between Father and Son: mutual giving, trust, self-emptying love, shared glory.

So disciples are meant to become a community where: ego decreases, love deepens, divisions heal, truth and compassion meet.

This remains deeply relevant because human life easily fragments into: isolation, rivalry, identity conflicts, fear of others.

Jesus presents unity as a witness: “that the world may know…” Meaning: love itself becomes testimony.

*4) Relevance to ordinary life*

This passage becomes practical in surprising ways.

*A) We become like How we live*

If a person lives constantly in anger, fear, greed, or vanity, those realities shape the soul.

Jesus invites people to “abide” in divine love instead.

So this prayer asks: What are we rooted in? What forms our inner life?

*B) Relationships matter spiritually*

Jesus connects love of God with unity among people. Spirituality is not merely private meditation or belief. It appears in: forgiveness, patience, reconciliation, humility, truthfulness, care for others.

*C) Human longing for belonging*

Many people experience loneliness even when surrounded by others.

This prayer speaks to a deep human desire: to be fully known and fully loved.

Jesus prays not for distant followers, but for people to dwell in love: “that the love with which You loved Me may be in them.”

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*