REFLECTIONS AND MEDITATION ON JOHN 17:20-26 - WRITTEN BY JOHN FINK, SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY EPISCOPAL CHURCH, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

John 17:20-26
John 17:23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
 
The Drum Corps International is like the playoffs of elite marching bands. Each of the corps has a unique style, and if you are a follower, you can often identify a specific corps just by watching a small portion of their show.
Each member of the corps plays a set of notes and moves with a set of steps that can take months to perfect. One can’t deviate and play what she thinks sounds better.  Another can’t move differently so that he stands out as unique. It takes all playing the assigned notes perfectly in unison, and moving as one. Unity is everything. Each member comes together as a whole, and the result is breathtaking.
 
In today’s scripture reading the church is called to unity. Jesus prays for all of the future believers to be so unified that the world would recognize that God had sent him out of love. Jesus came from a world of perfection into a world of discord. When we as believers unify in faith and love, it gives the world a glimpse of that world of perfection. Just like a member of a marching band, we must put aside our selfish desires to stand out and instead focus on the whole mission. That mission is to let the world know the depth of God’s love. 
 
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for loving us, just as you loved your son. Help us as believers to be unified in sharing that love with others, so that your perfect love is glorified. Amen
 
 
John Fink -  John is a lifelong Episcopalian. He attended St. Mary’s for more than 40 years. He’s more recently been a member of All Souls’ and now St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He recently retired from Oklahoma City Schools after 41 years in various administrative capacities.  He has also authored/co-authored several education publications. John enjoys being with family and friends, music, sports, and reading.