Jesus isn't speaking to us in this week's gospel.

 

He's talking to God.

 

But we get to listen in, along with the disciples who happen to still be sitting at the table of that last supper. Over the course of this dinner party, Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another, showed them what this love looks like, taught them why this love was important. His words try to capture everything he feels, everything he hopes, everything that will come, everything that is beyond comprehension.

 

It is just too much for words and Jesus knows it.

 

And whether they actually get it or not, the disciples finally declare:

 

Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that we came from God. (16:29-30)

 

One can imagine Jesus just shaking his head, as he says, "Do you now believe?" And one more time reminds them how their belief will soon fail.

 

But now enough of this-there's nothing more that can be said. It is time to put it in God's hands. And so, Jesus begins to pray.

 

For all the followers who say they get it, then set off in the wrong direction-Jesus prays.

 

For all these disciples who reject and refuse those others, or even each other-Jesus

prays.

 

For all the believers who forget that their unity is for the sake of the world, not for their own sake-Jesus prays.

 

For the witnesses who testify to something other than God's profound love for the world-Jesus prays.

 

For them in which God's love does not abide-Jesus prays.

 

For us-Jesus prays.