Consecrated In the Truth And Saved In His Name. (John 17:11-19).

-



Brothers and sisters, today, we have the opportunity to reflect on Jesus priestly prayer, his most intimate conversation, a prayer whispered to the Father on our behalf. Jesus, knowing the world's harsh winds can snuff out even the sturdiest faith, pleads, “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.”  This isn't just about physical safety, but about finding refuge in God's presence, a place where doubt and fear cannot touch us. Jesus reveals to us that in His name we find refuge because at the mention of his name every knee must bow! This is a revelation that there is power in the name of Jesus.

The world today is no less hostile than it was for the early disciples. We face challenges that can threaten our faith and our unity as believers. Perhaps our lives have become so comfortable that our faith feels like a flickering candle in the midday sun.  Have we become complacent, forgetting the fire that first ignited our hearts?  Jesus' prayer for us is a reminder that despite these challenges, we are not alone. God is our sturdy oak sheltering us from the storm, and His name remains a powerful anchor in the roughest seas. Therefore, it is important to pray the name of Jesus over our lives, over every situation that trouble our soul.

Moreover, this unity Jesus prays for isn't just an absence of conflict. The divisions we experience at various level in the world today are the consequences of our sins. Jesus calls us to be united in purpose, love, and truth, learning from the unity that exist between him and the Father. We are called to celebrate our differences, understanding that together we form a richer picture of God's love in the world.

Jesus prays, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” This means that we are in the world, but not of it. Our mission is to be the light and salt of the earth, witnessing to God's love and truth. However, Jesus acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare. Christians are not always aware of this spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 says: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”. Jesus’ prayer reassures us that God is actively working to guard our hearts and minds against the attacks of the enemy. Similarly, we have to cooperate with God in order to experience fully His divine protection.

This leads us to the central theme of Jesus' prayer: “Consecrate them in the truth; your word is truth.” To be consecrated means to set be set apart for a holy purpose. Jesus asks the Father to sanctify us through His truth, found in His Word. In a world where truth is often subjective and relative, where we experience clash of values, cultures, opinions, we are called to stand firm in the absolute truth of God's Word. This truth is not just a set of doctrines or moral guidelines; it's the living and active Word of God that transforms and renews us. By immersing ourselves in the Sacred Scripture, we are made holy, equipped to fulfill our mission in the world. We need to constantly grow in the consciousness of our identity as “consecrated persons.” Reminding ourselves constantly that we have been consecrated in the Truth to God helps us to avoid any occasion of sin, to seek to do God’s will always and every where.

Jesus also prays for our mission: “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”  Our calling as Christians is to be sent ones, just as Jesus was sent. We are commissioned to continue His work, sharing the gospel, serving others, and embodying the love and truth of Christ in every aspect of our lives. This mission is not optional; it is an essential part of our identity as followers of Jesus.

Jesus' prayer in John 17:11-19 is a profound expression of His love and care for us. He prays for our preservation in God's name, our protection from evil, our sanctification in the truth, and our commissioning to continue His mission. As we meditate on this prayer, let us be encouraged and strengthened, knowing that Jesus Himself intercedes for us. May we strive to live in unity, rooted in the truth of God's Word, and faithfully fulfill our calling as His disciples in the world.

Amen.



Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 15, 2024 at 6:27 PM

    Jesus really teaches us the importance of prayer. It's about talking to God as a child would naturally do with his father.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 15, 2024 at 6:37 PM

    May the good Lord help us to understand and reflect on the message of today and to leave according to his words.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BEYOND MONETARY VALUE: SPIRITUAL LESSONS FROM THE WIDOW’S OFFERING.

-
Image
  Today's Gospel (Cfr Luke 21:1-4) narrates the story of the widow’s offering. This biblical passage   offers us a profound insight into the nature of Jesus’ perception about offering as a religious act and what  it  signifies in our relationship with God. In these verses, Jesus observes the wealthy making their offerings at the temple, and then a poor widow who offers two small copper coins. His reaction to this scene is deeply revealing. Jesus’ focus is not on the monetary value of the offerings, but rather on the heart and intent behind them. His acknowledgment of the widow’s offering as being more than all the others is a testament to the fact that she gave out of her poverty, putting her whole livelihood into the offering. Her attitude reflects humility, sincerity, and deep trust in God. Her act of giving was not motivated by recognition or praise from others; it was deeply personal act of worship and trust in God’s provision. The look of Jesus in this scenario is unique
Read more

ENCOUNTERING CHRIST IN THE POOR AND MARGINALIZED : A REFLECTION ON EZEKIEL 34:11-17 AND MATTHEW 25:31-46.

-
Image
  As Christians, we encounter Jesus in many ways: reading the Bible, in the Sacraments, especially the Holy Mass, Blessed Sacrament, prayer experiences, and other spiritual experiences. Meeting Jesus in the poor and marginalized is a particularly unique way, which goes beyond religious affiliations, cultural and social identities. Reflecting on today’s readings, we   can find profound insights into the nature of God's relationship with humanity, particularly with those who are marginalized and vulnerable. These insights takes a particular resonance on this feast of Christ the King. In Ezekiel 34:11-17, the prophet uses vivid verbs to describe God’s intimate care and concern for His people. The passage speaks of God as a shepherd, actively seeking out His flock, caring for them, and ensuring their safety. This demonstrates an active and seeking love that goes beyond mere oversight. The imagery of God as the shepherd is powerful; it shows how God is actively involved in “rescui
Read more

FAITH THAT MOVES THE HEART OF GOD

-
Image
Faith that Moves the Heart of God. (Mark 2, 1-12) T he mention of the city of Capernaum at the beginning of today’s Gospel by Mark is quite significant. It helps to set the context of his narrative. Capernaum, which means “Village of comfort”, is a city where Jesus preached most of his missions,   accompanied by great signs such as the cure of a demoniac (Mark 1, 21-28), the Cure of Simon’s mother-in-law (Mark 1, 29-31), and many other miraculous healings, including that of a leper. It is evident that Jesus was well-known in Capernaum, explaining why many people were eager to be with him. He embodied the essence of the city’s name, providing not only comfort but also transformation in   people’s lives, both inside and out. Let’s explore how this transformation is reflected in today’s Gospel. His Message Gladdens the Heart : Jesus preached to people who gathered around him. They found joy in   listening to him because his words carried authority and touched their souls, bringing glad
Read more