Wednesday 27 May
Today is Wednesday the 27 May, in the 7th week of Easter
When we pray we try to get in touch with and express our deepest desires and concerns to God. What are my deepest desires and concerns as I enter into this time of prayer? Can I place them before the Lord?
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.
And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. John 17:11-19
In our Scripture reading today, we continue to listen to Jesus at prayer. And his prayer reveals the nerve-centre of his life – his life of intimacy and communion with his Father. Did you notice how those who are an essential part of Jesus’ life, also enter into his prayer. Much of his prayer is about his companions of the present and future, so we are included. What stood out to you as you heard Jesus at prayer?
Jesus’ prayer concerns those things which are most important for himself and his disciples. What is most important for you? Jesus reflects on his life and his mission. He looks forward to his life of glory with the Father. He sees his life and mission as the Father’s gift. He reflects on his relationship with his Father and he sees his Father’s presence in all that he does and is.
All that his disciples have received, all that they are – that too, is the Father’s gift. As you listen to the reading again, notice what gifts Jesus asks the Father to give to his companions, to you and to me.
In his prayer, Jesus asks his Father for three gifts for his followers, three gifts for each one of us. He prays that we may have joy, protection and holiness. In these closing moments of prayer, I take time now to reflect on each gift that the Lord desires for me. I ask the Holy Spirit for guidance on where and how to use these gifts in the present circumstances of my life.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.