Commentary on Philippians 4:4-9; Psalm 33; John 17:20-26

The Gospel reading is part of Jesus’ prayer for unity among his followers. It comes from his long discourse during the Last Supper as given to us in John’s Gospel. In this particular part of the prayer, he is praying not for those disciples who are with him at the supper, but “for those who believe in me through their word”.

Jesus prays:

…that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

This is the way that people will come to recognise the true identity of Jesus.

To be a follower of Jesus is not simply to believe in him and lead a good life. It is not to see the Church as some kind of outside organisation distinct from me, but to which I go to get the ‘graces’ I need to be a good person, to keep the commandments and as a place where I can carry out my ‘religious obligations’ and in the end ‘save my soul’.

To be a follower of Jesus is essentially to be a follower with and through others. The Christian life is essentially communal. And Jesus is saying here that the most potent witness we can give of who he is, is that we who claim to follow him do so as part of a fellowship. It is said that in the early Church there was a saying: “See those Christians how they love one another!” That was one of the most striking characteristics to the pagan eye, namely, that people who came from different ethnic and social backgrounds could live together in such harmony. This was something strange to societies which strongly and defensively identified with their own group.

Jesus had said this earlier during the same discourse. In giving his disciples a “new” commandment, he had told them:

Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35)

This was to be the defining mark of the Christian—to be a ‘with-person’ or an ‘inter-person’. There is no room for individualism, going it alone to Jesus. This is a very relevant message for our individualistic, self-seeking, post-modern times.

Of course, the life of Philip Neri was very much along the line presented by Jesus. This is evident, first, from the concern he showed to the poor and needy, even to the prostitutes of Rome whom he tried to rescue from their slavery. It is seen in the congregation that he established, which is based so much on a brotherhood of equals, rather than on a structure of discipline and obedience. It is seen in the outgoing, warm character of Philip Neri.

It is not surprising, then, that the First Reading is from the Letter to the Philippians where the underlying theme is joy and happiness—traits particularly linked with Philip.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything…

These are the words of Paul to the Christians at Philippi. Worry should never be part of the Christian’s life. As Jesuit Fr Tony de Mello used to say:

“If you worry, you will die. If you do not worry, you will die. So why worry!”

On the contrary, focus on the good things that have come our way. Be full of gratitude. And then what will happen?

…the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

And Paul tells them (and us):

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things…and the God of peace will be with you.

This could be a word portrait of Philip Neri and what a lovely world it would be if everyone was like this!