Over the weekend it became apparent that the national conversation, unimaginably, has become more and more polarised. Many of a conservative bent, it seems, have been deemed not conservative enough and been pushed aside. Similar rhetoric has taken place on those on the progressive side of the coin. God help those who are conservative in some matters but otherwise progressive! Post federal election recriminations and celebrations have contributed much to the flavour of this discourse, but the squaring off has really only lifted the lid on what has been present for some time – the legacy of the wedge politics that has been used to manipulate power.

Sadly, this cultural affliction seeps into the life of the multi-faceted church communities of the nation. The unity amongst followers for which Christ prayed seems beyond grasp… and yet!

Our historical narrative sees the Risen Christ departing – once again his absence is felt by his disciples still trying to work out what it means to live with resurrection reality. They are left with the promise of the immanent arrival of the Holy Spirit – the abiding dynamic presence of the risen Christ. The only reality they need to know and practice is contained in the very words spoken in this coming Sunday’s text from John’s gospel – the midst of Jesus’ most intense prayer. All else flows on. May it be so!

There is yet hope…

John 17:20-26

²⁰”I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, ²¹that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²²The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, ²³I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
²⁴Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. ²⁵“Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. ²⁶I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”