“Holy Father, keep them in your name, that they may be one as we are.” Jn. 17:11b-19

Jesus continues to pray and ask the Father for what He knows we need to remain with him; that we may be one, as He is with the Father, that we may have his joy, that He may keep us from the evil one, that He may sanctify us in the Truth. Jesus knows that many forces will want to separate us from him, that our faith may falter, but we count on the help of the Father, and on the support that communion with our brothers and sisters brings. Being united is a guarantee of support, encouragement, and mutual encouragement along the way.  Let us pray today for our brothers and sisters, those who are near and those who are far away, for those who bear the responsibility of being at the head of the Lord’s “flock,” for the brothers and sisters persecuted for their faith’s sake; and for so many baptized, whose faith lies extinguished in the depths of their hearts.