Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
Readings: Acts 20:17-27; Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21; John 17:1-11a
Summary
The “high priestly prayer” of Jesus is the climax of the effective purpose of his ministry.
I pray for them (Jn 17:9).
Reflection
I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always (Jn 14:16). The friendship of God is sealed with the Holy Spirit which we celebrate this coming Sunday as Pentecost. Our highest prayer is to ask for these things for all peoples. In imitation of Jesus we ask for the same things by his power and love.
Personal Reflection
My first day back therefore a short reflection on my mission in Christ and on my journey.
The height of the ministry of Jesus is his High Priestly prayer – communion with the Father God – for us:
- Keep us safe,
- Fill us with Joy,
- Consecrate us to truth,
- Be all One,
- Share the divine glory,
- Be with the divine and;
- Be loved and live in love forever.
Paul’s Farewell – A Model
Paul’s farewell and my personal wish that on my final day the same can be said:
“But now I know that none of you
to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels will ever see my face again.
And so I solemnly declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God.”
(Acts 20:25-27).
Scripture:
- Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are (Jn 17:11b).
- I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely (Jn 17:13).
- Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth (Jn 17:17).
- I pray not only for them, 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 (Jn 17:20-21).
- And I have given them the glory you gave me (Jn 17:22).
- I wish that where I am they also may be with me (Jn 17:24).
- That the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them (Jn 17:26).
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060325.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry