Lifting up his eyes to heaven

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; PS 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; Jn 17:20-26
Note: I take care to publish with regard to the various religions of the world. No offense is ever intended and I hope you find benefit. As to Catholics, I have the obligation to hold us to the Way of Beatitudes.

Current events: The current conflict between Israel and Palestine Gaza, reminds us of to imperatives when in a conflict:

• Lifting up our eyes to heaven pleading for help and also knowing the divine is present.
• Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope. – as we allow the divine to bring peace, peace will be.
• We are right.
• We are wrong.
• Best to know the tension between these two facts.

First Reading
OK. IMHO, Paul was an instigator.
Knowing the differences of opinion, Paul deliberately gets to the heart of their conflict and a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Personally, not too happy with this technique.
Except, the dialog had come to an end and was not bringing about a good outcome.

So he was given a wider audience and a broader respect for his cause. Several presentations will follow over time: to Felix, to King Agrippa and then off to Rome.

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage.
For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem,
so you must also bear witness in Rome.”

He was given an escort out of the city with 200 soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred auxiliaries. Paul was even given a horse (“mount”) to ride. Off to the Governor Felix for a proper trial.

It might be fair to say that agitation is a legitimate tool of negotiation and encounter even to the point of the others deciding to assonate you. Eek!

Bear in mind however, the violence is not yours to commit.
Speak your truth. Be non-violent even as others attempt violence.

The Iron Dome is an excellent example.

Responsorial Psalm
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

We really have to build a faith reliant upon this faithfulness of the Lord.

Alleluia Verse
May they all be one as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that the world may believe that you sent me, says the Lord.

We must speak up in faith and in peace. Our purpose is unity and peace.
There should be no other course of action.

Paul had no army but an army protected him.

Gospel Portion
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
“I pray not only for these,
but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
so that they may all be one.

they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.

It is difficult to watch the ancient places at war. It is even more difficult seeing the modern elements of warfare rain down upon the people.

Faith in the divine is intended to bring about perfection, and the heart-assurance of divine love.

How is any of this conflict good?

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry