Christ’s Prayer for Disciples’ Unity – Jun 04 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jun 04, 2025, where he emphasizes Christian unity through Christ's sacrifice and St. Paul's warnings to Ephesus's priests against false teachings.

Father reflects on the unity of Christians as taught in Acts 20:28-38 and John 17:11-19, emphasizing the sacrificial love of Christ and the responsibilities of Church leaders. He explains St. Paul’s farewell discourse to the Ephesian presbyters, whom he calls to guard the Church, acquired by God’s own blood (Acts 20:28). Paul warns of “savage wolves” and false teachers from within, urging vigilance (Acts 20:29-31). Father notes the historical context, where terms like presbyter and bishop were initially synonymous, later distinguished by St. Ignatius. In the Gospel, Jesus prays as a high priest, consecrating Himself for His disciples’ sanctification in truth (John 17:17-19). Father connects this to the Old Testament sacrifices, citing St. John Chrysostom’s interpretation of Christ as the Lamb. He stresses the Church’s value, purchased by Christ’s blood, and the duty of pastors to protect it, referencing Revelation 2:2-3, where Ephesus’s priests are praised for rejecting false apostles. Father also mentions Paul’s letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:3-7), warning against Gnostic-like heretics who spread myths. The Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 781 underscores the Church’s unity through Christ’s mission, and CCC 1257 highlights the necessity of baptism for salvation, echoing the consecration theme. Father concludes by urging fidelity to the Magisterium’s truth, ensuring the Church remains united in Christ’s word.

For Further Reading

Acts 20:28-38 - NAB - Paul’s farewell to Ephesus - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/20?28
John 17:11-19 - NAB - Jesus’ high priestly prayer - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17?11
Revelation 2:2-3 - NAB - Letter to Ephesus - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/2?2
1 Timothy 1:3-7 - NAB - Warning against false teachers - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1timothy/1?3
Catechism of the Catholic Church #781 - Unity of the Church - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/781.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1257 - Necessity of Baptism - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm#1257
Catechism of the Catholic Church #766 - Church Born from Christ - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p1.htm#766
Catholic Answers - The Church’s Unity - https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/the-price-of-unity-is-pain

00:00 - Introduction
00:26 - Unity in truth
01:07 - Church leadership roles
01:55 - Priesthood’s origin
03:36 - God’s plan for Paul
05:13 - Jesus’ prayer for disciples
07:11 - Protecting the Church
08:37 - Guarding against false teachers

Ave Maria!

Mass: Wednesday 7th Week of Easter - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/060425.cfm
1st: act 20:28-38
Resp: psa 68:29-30, 33-36
Gsp: joh 17:11-19

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1729

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