On that Night

On that Night
Easter 7; John 17:1-11
On the night before he died
he prayed for those given to him,
asking for their protection in God’s name, 
so that they may be one
as he and the Father are one.
He prayed that they may have eternal life
which is to know God 
and the one sent by God.

What is the oneness for which Jesus prayed?
Not agreement on dogma and creeds,
or obedient conformity to strictures,
but a caring respect for difference,
which listens attentively to the other,
shows compassion to the victimized,
lives in humility, not self-serving privilege,
values community and relates in love
to living beings and creation,
and to the mutual and outflowing love 
of God, Creator, Human One, Comforter.

What is the knowing that is eternal life?
Not a learned theological dissertation,
or even this poem, groping for meaning,
but an open searching awareness
of self, others and creation,
a sensitivity to sacred experience,
a capacity for awe and wonder,
a humble unknowing before the infinite
and a receptiveness to the Word.

On that night he underlined his teaching
in words, knowing the hour had come
for saying “Farewell!” and “Fare further!”
They would remember these parting words,
but receptiveness is always limited
by culture and agendas of ego,
as is the question of how to respond.

So he showed meaning in action.
He washed their feet in servant ministry –
a lesson in humility not often repeated –
only on Maundy Thursday in congregations
and sometimes by popes and royalty
with carefully chosen recipients.

His other defining ritual
gained more regular participation,
sharing bread and wine,
re-membering in them 
his broken body
and blood poured out.
Again understandings differ,
but there we are united 
with his continuing presence
in us and among us
and in solidarity with suffering humanity.

These actions are ways of knowing
and examples of oneness
with and beyond words.
As we serve another humbly
by listening and caring
and gather at his table
(along with the marginalized ones
he has always welcomed and empowered),
we are broken people and holy people,
one with him and knowing him,
living in God’s eternal life.
	Barbara Messner 13/05/2026