Sermon – The Unity of the Church: Christ’s Prayer (John 17:20-26) – May 21, 2026

In the Bible, in chapter 17 of St. John, Jesus recounts one of his deepest prayers.

Just before His Passion, the Lord prays not only for the Apostles, but for everyone who will believe in Him in the future; that is, for us too.

And what does Jesus ask of the Father?

“Let them all be one, Father, as you are in me and I am in you.” (John 17:21)

The unity of the Church is not a secondary matter. It is not simply a matter of getting along or organization. Unity is directly the will of Christ. It is also a gift from God and a duty given to Christians.

Jesus knew that a world divided by sin would need to see a tangible sign of God's presence.

Therefore, he says that the unity of his students will bear witness to the world: “Let the world believe that You sent me.”

This is why unity is one of the hallmarks of the true Church.

Since the earliest centuries, the Church has taught the four fundamental characteristics of the Church of Christ: one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic. Every Sunday in the Confession of the Faith, we say:

“I believe in one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church.”

The church is one because:

• He has only one Lord: Jesus Christ;

• He has only one belief;

• There is only one type of baptism;

• It has only one doctrine that comes from the apostles;

• He celebrates only the Eucharist;

• And it is connected to the successor of Saint Peter as a visible head on earth.

  
  

This unity does not mean that all cultures or traditions are the same.

The Church lives among many peoples, possessing diverse spiritual traditions and charismas. But they are all united in the same faith and the same communion.

How impressive it is that the same faith is lived in Türkiye, Brazil, Portugal, and throughout the world, in the same Eucharist. The same Gospel, the same apostolic legacy, the same Christ.

This is not solely the work of humans. If the Church has maintained its unity for two thousand years despite persecutions, crises, and human sins, it is because Christ has remained with it.

But today's Gospel also calls us to question our own lives, because the unity of the Church must be experienced concretely by every Christian.

So how can we live this unity?

First: by remaining true to the truth. True unity is not established by diluting faith or altering the Bible to suit worldly desires. There is no unity without truth. Jesus prayed for us to be united in Him.

Secondly: by living love. Gossip, jealousy, pride, and judgment divide many communities. How many congregations suffer from a lack of humility! Saint Paul advises us to bear with one another with love.

Thirdly: By remaining in communion with the Church. Today, the idea that "I will live Jesus my own way, I don't need the Church" is common. But Christ did not establish a church for individuals; He established a visible and united Church. Those who love Christ also love His Church.

Fourth: by praying for unity. Jesus prayed for the unity of his disciples; we too should pray for the faithfulness of our families, our congregations, all Christians, and the Church.

Today's world is full of divisions: broken families, polarized societies, lonely people… In such a world, the Church is called upon to be a symbol of unity and brotherhood. When Christians are truly united in faith and love, the presence of God becomes visible.

The Bible ends with a beautiful promise: “That they may be united in oneness, with You in me and I in them.”

The unity of the Church arises from the life of the Holy Trinity. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit live in perfect unity of love; and Christ desires to include us in this divine communion.

Let us ask God for this favor today:

• in our family,

• in our neighborhood,

• in our community,

• And may we be a means of unity throughout the Church.

Let us never be the cause of division; let us be witnesses to truth, love, and communion.

And when people see our unity, let them believe that Jesus Christ was truly sent by the Father.

May the Virgin Mary help us to strive for unity in Christ.