Reflections on the readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (June 2, 2019): ACTS 7:55-60; PS 97:1-2,6-7,9; REV 22:12-14,16-17,20; JN 17:20-26
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Today the Gospel reading contains what has come to be known as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.
On this Sunday between the Ascension and Pentecost, we pause to hear our Lord address the Father on behalf of His Apostles and all believers. “Lifting up His eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying... ‘Holy Father, I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, so that they may all be in us, that the world may believe You sent Me.’” (John 17:1, 20-21)
Christ asks His Father to care for all who follow Him. He wants His people – for whom He will sacrifice Himself – to understand that we are called to do more than believe in His message of compassion and life. We are called to join with God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in true communion. Only by opening ourselves to Him, body and soul, will we come to be surrounded by the love between Christ and His Father. This love is so boundless, so beautiful that we are meant to love together for all eternity. It is only through this divine love that we may be perfected by being the unique individuals He calls us to be. Jesus also tells us that we are intended to share His word with all people so they, too, may welcome His truth and mercy and live with Him forever.