Acts 20:28-38 / John 17:11-19
The greatest danger for a community or an organization is not a danger from the outside.
Dangers from the outside can be threatening and fearful.
But when the community or organization is united within, then the danger can be warded off.
But the greatest danger is from within the community or organization.
Because it is from within that traitors and betrayers may, and will arise, and that is what St. Paul is saying in the 1st reading.
And these traitors and betrayers will cause the greatest damage to the community or organization.
But why would some people become traitors and betray the unity of the community?
There can be many reasons but mainly it would be pride and selfishness.
They would break away from the truth and think that they are right.
They would tend to love themselves and also want others to love them.
Jesus said this in the gospel: I kept those you have given me true to your name. I have watched over them and not one is lost except the one who chose to be lost.
We belong to the faith community of the Body of Christ.
Jesus watches over us and protects us from the evil one and from the dangers of pride and selfishness.
Let us keep united in the truth and love of Jesus, and we will be at peace even in the face of dangers.