"I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them." (Jn 17:20-26)
Jesus is praying for and longed that we should all be one. United. He prayed also for the future generations to come. He prayed for those followers who became followers of Jesus because of the word of the apostles. This preaching of the word carried on and on and on. His prayer included the people or the listeners of the word of the apostles from generations to generations.
Disciples are known through this unity. Unity is vital for the believers. Unity is the thread that runs through every believer and every generation. But the reality is also true which is, just the opposite, in some places and in persons. This unity is to be expressed in love. Unity and love are the signs of the disciples as it is between the Father and the son.
As in every human relationship, unity cannot be forced. It cannot be manipulated. But in a divided world, the division has run down the religious line as well. This should not be an excuse for Christians. It is a reason to work afresh for unity in every generation as Jesus prayed for. If we are essentially on in faith then there cannot be reason why may not be one in our life and worship.
