Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 17:11b-19

 

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth.  Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth."

 

Today’s gospel reading is an extension of yesterday’s message. Yesterday we learned that Jesus’ mission on earth was to glorify his Father so that we could be with the Father. Jesus glorified God through his crucifixion and resurrection. In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls upon God to protect his disciples. He prays to his Father, “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.” Jesus tells his Father that He protected them while He was on earth. But now that Jesus must leave this world, He asks the Father to protect those who have dedicated their lives to Him. Jesus’ sole purpose on this earth was to glorify God his Father and to bring His lambs to the narrow gate.. Jesus prayed for the protection of his disciples so that they could also glorify the Lord and be one with Him. This prayer of protection is extended to us if we believe in the Truth and the Light of World. The Word is the Truth and the Word became Flesh for our salvation. Jesus wants us to be united as one body with God in Heaven and the Holy Spirit. As Jesus is just hours away from being scourged for our sins and hung on the cross, his not only agonizes about his coming fate, but that his followers will be protected and united with Him. He demonstrated a greater concern for our well being then for his own. This expression of love is extended to us through his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Even in our betrayal of Christ, He asks that we be protected. All we have to do is give our heart to the Lord so that we can see the Truth and know the Word. We are asked to give our life to God and to allow Him to use us to do his will. As we do his deeds, we become filled with the Holy Spirit and become united with Christ. Where is God leading you? Take up your cross and follow for he is the salvation which gives eternal life.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, I surrender my heart and soul to your will.

Use me as you see fit. May my life be pleasing to you.

God, give me the strength to be your servant and to do your will.

 

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon