I am not in the world any longer, but they are in the world

Acts 20:17-27, Jn 17:1-11. Today's first reading presents Paul’s farewell speech when he finished the work of spreading the Gospel in Greece and Asia Minor. He planned to proceed to Jerusalem and hope to survive the danger awaiting him in that city. The elders of the Church knew Paul's achievement when Paul stated that: “You know how I lived among you from the first day I came here, how I served the Lord with humility through the sorrows and trials that came my way.” While Jesus declares in today's Gospel that His work on earth is now complete and He prays: “Father, it is time for you to glorify me with that glory I had with you before ever the world was...I am not in the world any longer, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you.” Jesus also affirms the fidelity of His followers: “Those whom you gave me were yours; they have kept your word.” Paul encounters an uncertain future, knowing that prison probably awaits him at Jerusalem, while Jesus did not predict exactly what lies ahead; He only prays that His followers remain faithful to Him and to His teachings.

Similar fate of uncertainty confronts us but with faith and calmness, God takes us to Himself. The only certain thing is that, His path to glory leads through the Cross. His lifting up on the Cross leads to His being lifted up in glory. We have been given some shares in the Lord’s life-giving work. Hopefully there will come a day when, like Jesus, we can turn to God and say, “I have finished the work you gave me to do. Now, take me to yourself.” Today, we are challenged to be faithful to the work of the Lord by making Him known to others by our actions.

May the Lord guide our actions by His wisdom so that we would be able to tell the glory of the Lord in the daily events of our life! Amen!! Good morning and Peace be with you!!!