15 May, 2024 | Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

 Acts 20:28-38

Gospel Jn 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.”

Reflections: 

Jesus prayed and desired that his followers be one as he and the father are one. So that the world believes that Jesus is sent into this world by his father. This unity should be made visible enough to challenge the world to believe in Jesus. It is to be a real fellowship. 

However, in order to maintain unity among people of different temperaments and various cultures much love and understanding is required. Iit is saddening today to see in the world so many different churches and denominations which arose out of divisive mentality of human beings and lack of humility. Therefore, today all of us need to pray and work for unity among all the Christians which Christ himself prayed and desired for. 

Activity: 

Before you retire for the night, say a meaningful prayer for unity of Christians and openness to the work of the Holy Spirit.