Meditation Minute

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” In today’s Gospel reading (John 17:11-19), Jesus is praying for the protection of his disciples. That God will look after them as they venture out into the world to spread the Word of God. He asks “that they may be one, even as we are one.” He is asking God that they may be united in one message for one salvation through one church. This unity is the unity of the Holy Trinity. That they may become part of the Mystical Body of Christ in their mission. Jesus wants to make sure that they are protected in their mission. He says to his Father, “I do not pray that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil one.” He also asks God to “sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth.” Our mission is the same as the original Apostles. We are charged with going out into the world. Through the power of the Holy Spirit which is given to us in our baptism and strengthened in us through our confirmation, we are sent out into the world to spread the Word and the Truth. Jesus says, “As thou sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.” As a missionary of Christ, we are all joined together in the unity of Christ. We are all sanctified and protected by the Holy Spirit. Through this mission, we will find the truth and the joy of our Father in Heaven. Know that Christ prays for those who are living in this world and who are carrying out the mission He has entrusted to them. Just as Christ did the work of his Father, we are called to do the work of Christ.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, take my life and make it not of this world.

May I learn to become a missionary of Christ.

Protect me as I make my journey and face evil in the world.

Guide me that I may follow the one true path to your gate.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Also today, if you can add a special prayer for all those who are out on mission to help others.