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Explore the beauty of unity in family life through Jesus's prayer in John 17:20-26 and learn how to foster love and forgiveness in your home.

Today's Gospel: John 17:20-26

I love reflecting on Jesus in the context of His family—the fact that God sent us a lowly Messiah, born into an ordinary household. The oneness that the Almighty desires for us is best exemplified in the daily work of family life.
 
These words from the Gospel of John are strikingly beautiful and remind me of the uniqueness of Jesus’s life within His family. In the verses that precede this reading, Jesus gives a summary of all that has happened during His ministry, recalling the work He was sent to do. But this is not merely a recollection of events—it is a love letter to each of us. Jesus claims us as His own, His beloved, and as this passage begins, He prays for us. He prays for our fortitude, our faithfulness, and our continuous pursuit of truth.
 
He also prays for unity of spirit: “that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you.” At first this call can feel overwhelming—how can we be one when God has made us so different? But unity of spirit does not mean sameness of method. As St. Paul reminds us, we are one body with many parts. This is true of the Church, and it is true of the family.
Living life in community is sanctifying. There is joy and goodness, but also misunderstanding and struggle. Yet Jesus’s prayer gives us strength to remain faithful and to seek God’s kingdom in every season of family life. When we forgive, show patience, or choose love in the ordinary moments, we answer His prayer for unity and can clearly pursue truth in all things.

 

Ponder:

Lord, how are You calling me to build unity in my family today?

 

Pray:

Lord Jesus, make our family one in Your love. Help us to forgive, to be patient with one another, and to see each other as Your precious gifts so that we may further Your kingdom on earth.

 

Pray Together:

In your evening prayers tonight, thank God for the oneness of your family. Discuss how the uniqueness of your family can be used to further the Kingdom.

 


May 21

Copyright 2026 Liesl Schiavone

 

About the Author

Liesl Schiavone

Liesl Schiavone

Liesl and her husband are raising their 6 kids in their house close to the Chesapeake Bay. She and her husband, Matt, serve their local parish as Director of Music and High School Youth Minister respectively. Liesl has worked as a music educator for the last 15 years and finds great satisfaction in writing about the joys and challenges of motherhood. Follow her on social media @sacramom.