I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 11. And now I am no more in the world: that is, I am now leaving the world, as to a corporeal and visible presence: yet Saint Augustine takes notice, that Christ saith afterwards, (verse 13) these things I speak in the world: therefore he was still for some short time in the world. And as to his true invisible presence with his Church, he gave us this promise, (Matthew 28:20) Behold I am with you all days, even to the end of the world.—Keep them in thy name, whom thou hast given me. [4] Christ, as man, says Saint Augustine asks of his Father, to preserve those disciples whom he had given him, who were to preach the gospel to the world.—That they may be one, as we also are. These words cannot signify an equality, nor to be one in nature and substance, as the divine persons are one, but only that they may imitate, as much as they are able, that union of love and affection. See Saint John Chrysostom S. Cyril, and Saint Augustine on these words. Witham.—Here Jesus Christ prays especially, that the apostles and his Church may be kept in unity of religion, and free from schism.