Reflection on Jn 17:26

These words are the conclusion of Jesus’ prayer for the unity of the disciples with Him as well as for unity with the Father and for the knowledge of God’s love and Christ’s presence in us.

Jesus says that He revealed to the disciples, and to no one else, the mystery of the name of God the Father, which is also the name of Jesus. The Father loves the Son from eternity. He gave Him His name, and Jesus reveals this name to those who are His. This name is Yehoshua – Lord is salvation – Jesus.

In this verse, Jesus speaks about revealing the mystery of the divine name. Jesus revealed it and will continue to reveal it; in other words, through the Holy Spirit He will bring us even more deeply not only into the mystery of the name of God but also into the mystery of the love of God – the self-sacrificing love which suffers humiliation by every sinner. In Jesus is the fullness of the love of God. God is love incarnate. Today the word love is often abused as a synonym for egoism or impurity. The Greeks have three terms for love. The love which Jesus speaks about is called “agape”. It is pure self-sacrificing love, which is the gift of God. “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Rom 5:5) Through this love Jesus abides in us. Jesus prayed that this love of God “may be in them, and I in them”.

Lord Jesus, may the love of God and You Yourself abide in us. You said: “I am with you always, all the days of your life.” (Mt 28:20)

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