"Holy Unity" ** a sermon for 7 Easter, 1 June 2025**
Let’s get some context here. This is the end of Jesus’ “high priestly” prayer. Jesus and his friends have shared a meal together. Jesus has washed their feet and given them the commandment to “love one another.” Judas has left the group to betray Jesus. Jesus brings the other disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus prays for the coming hours. Jesus knows the betrayal and suffering that are ahead. Jesus initially prays for the cup to pass. To not undergo the fate that awaits Him. A very natural and human response. But, then Jesus also prays for the strength and courage to endure—Your will, God, not mine Jesus prays in the Garden (see Luke 22:39-46) At such a time, it reasonable for Jesus to only think of Himself. Yet Jesus spends a significant time praying ...