May 16, 2018

Gospel: Jn 17:11b-19
I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I come to you. Holy Father, keep those you have given me in your name, so that they may be one, as we also are. When I was with them, I kept them safe in your name; and not one was lost, except the one who was already lost, and in this, the Scripture was fulfilled. And now I come to you; in the world I speak these things, so that those whom you gave me, might have joy — all my joy within themselves. I have given them your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world, I do not ask you to remove them from the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. I have sent them into the world as you sent me into the world; and for their sake, I go to the sacrifice by which I am consecrated, so that they too may be  consecrated in truth.

Reflections
I kept them safe in your name Jesus prays to his Father for the well-being of his disciples. In particular he prays for their union among themselves and with God, for joy in their ministry and for their protection amidst trials. Every community will be wracked by internal conflict. Jesus, pray for our unity despite our differences. Every disciple will experience some form of failure and exasperation. Jesus, pray for our joy in ministry despite frustrations. Every generation of the Church will be buffeted by winds of threat and persecution. Jesus, pray for our perseverance amidst tribulation.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018