I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; Jn 17:20-26
Notes: The period between celebrating the Ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is a privileged period.

In this liturgical time we have the JOY of Resurrection and JOY of Jesus’ Ascension.
We are awaiting the gift of Pentecost.

• Our Gospel portion (The Prayer of Jesus) before the Arrest of Jesus.
• Our first reading comes after Peter’s Speech at Pentecost.

Yet it all boils down to the issue of the Resurrection.
If God can defeat death in the person of Jesus, then his promise is sure and the hope is well founded.

• He did.
• We are.
• And the Lord have given us the glory He gave Jesus.

First reading
I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead. 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.

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

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.

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, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry