'Holy Father, protect them... so that they may be one, as we are one.'

Both readings today are very good examples of the love that early Christians had for each other. In the Gospel, the way in which St. John has written Jesus' prayer makes our heart melt. Jesus hopes that the disciples will stay united; he is worried about all the persecutions they would face. He knows the necessity of proclaiming the Good News to the ends of the world yet he is also aware of the inevitable risk involved.

In the first reading, too, we read of the fraternal love between St. Paul and the faithful. Both St. Paul and the early Christians wanted to remain in each other's company. Lord, how blessed are we when we experience the same love and fellowship within our local church communities.