Daily Catholic Lectio. Thu, 21 May 2026. Being One

Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 21 May 2026
Seventh Week of Easter
Ac 22:30, 23:6-11. Jn 17:20-26

Being One

Today’s Gospel brings us to the final prayer of Jesus before His passion. He prays not only for His disciples, but also for all those who will believe in Him through their word. At the heart of His prayer is one desire: “May they all be one.” Jesus does not pray that His followers become identical, but that they remain united. Christian unity is not uniformity. It is communion in diversity. Just as the Father is in the Son and the Son in the Father, believers are called to live in closeness, mutual belonging, and love.

This unity becomes the sign of the Gospel itself. Jesus says, “So that the world may believe that you sent me.” The credibility of the Christian message depends greatly on the unity of Christians. Division weakens witness. Communion strengthens witness. When people see forgiveness, understanding, patience, and love among believers, they encounter something of God Himself. Unity is therefore not simply a human strategy; it is a divine calling.

In Saint John’s Gospel, Jesus explains this unity through the image of the vine and the branches. A branch lives only when it remains connected to the vine. Separation leads to dryness and death. Connection gives life, nourishment, and fruitfulness. The same is true in our spiritual life. When we remain united with Christ, we receive strength to love, to serve, and to persevere. And when we remain united with one another, the community becomes fruitful.

Our modern world often pushes people toward isolation. Excessive individualism, privacy, and self-centred living slowly turn people into separate islands. A person who lives alone becomes spiritually weak and easily discouraged. We need communion — in family, parish, workplace, community, and Church. Division often begins when we focus more on differences than on what unites us. The moment we stop seeing the shared humanity and dignity of the other person, separation enters the heart.

The Taoist saying beautifully reminds us: “When you move your little finger, you move the distant stars.” Human life is deeply interconnected. Our words, actions, and attitudes affect others more than we realize. Unity begins with recognizing this closeness. A simple gesture of kindness, listening, encouragement, or reconciliation can strengthen an entire community.

The first reading gives us the example of Saint Paul. In the midst of opposition and conflict, the Lord stands beside him and says, “Take courage.” Paul remained united with God in his mission. Because he belonged to God, he could continue his witness even in difficulty. A person united with God slowly begins to see all people and all situations in God. Inner union with God creates outer communion with others.

The Book of Ecclesiastes says, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” A life united with God and united with others becomes strong. Today Jesus invites us not to live as isolated individuals, but as people connected in faith, love, and mission. May our families, communities, and Church become signs of that unity for which Christ Himself prayed.

Fr Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai

An initiative of “Yesni Prays”