This week’s readings are all about unity—Jesus prayed that his followers would be one, just as He and the Father are one.
In Acts 16:16-34, Paul and Silas end up in prison after standing up for a young woman. Even in the darkest moment, they sing and pray, showing their deep trust in God. Then, in a dramatic twist, an earthquake shakes the prison, opening all the doors! But instead of running, they stay and share the love of Jesus with the jailer, who ends up believing in God along with his entire family. This reminds us that faith and love hold us together, even in tough times. Psalm 97 celebrates God’s power and justice. It paints a picture of a mighty God who rules the world with fairness, calling His people to find joy in Him. It’s a reminder that when we trust God, we find light and joy in our lives—and that unity comes when we stand together in His truth. In Revelation 22:12-22, Jesus speaks about His return, reminding us that He is the beginning and the end. He invites everyone to come to Him, offering the gift of life freely. This passage shows that Jesus calls people from all walks of life to be part of His family—united in hope as they wait for His return.
Finally, John 17:20-26 captures Jesus’ heartfelt prayer. He’s thinking not just about the disciples with Him at that moment, but about every believer to come—us included. He prays that we would love each other deeply and be united, just as He and the Father are one. Through that unity, the world will see God’s love. These readings remind us that being the Church isn’t just about believing—it’s about standing together in love, faith, and obedience to Jesus, showing the world what God’s love looks like.