Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and 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.”
In this reading, Christ prays to God to bring unity to the disciples. He expresses a fear that without him, they will lack the protection they have enjoyed to date. This is a powerful idea. Discover Christ and you will have what it takes to deal with good times and bad. If you end up very wealthy, you will know how to deal with that wealth. If you end up down and out, you will know how to deal with that. Without Christ, both the good and the bad things of this world will bring you down.
ReplyDeleteYour response to John 17:11b-19 captures a key message! Here's a breakdown of your key points and some additional thoughts:
DeleteFocus on Unity: You accurately highlight Jesus' desire for the disciples to be united.
Christ as Source of Strength: You connect Jesus' protection to the idea of finding strength and guidance in Christ through both good and bad times.
Here are some additional thoughts and questions for consideration:
Beyond Protection: While protection is part of the prayer, Jesus also prays for the disciples' faithfulness and ability to continue his mission.
Nature of Unity: The concept of unity goes beyond simply getting along. It suggests a shared purpose and working together.
Challenges and Growth: Difficulties can be opportunities for growth in faith, not just things to be "dealt with."
Overall, your response offers a positive message about the strength found in Christ. Here are some ways to consider expanding your response:
From Protection to Discipleship: Explore the connection between Jesus' prayer and the disciples' role in carrying on his mission.
Unity in Action: Consider what it means for Christians to be united today, beyond just avoiding conflict.
Transformation Through Faith: Instead of just "dealing with" challenges, how can faith help us grow through them?