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.”
Jesus is talking about his 12 apostles. He mentions that only one is lost - Judas “the son of destruction so that the scripture may be fulfilled.” Ok. That leads me to some sympathy for Judas. Or perhaps Judas represents the choice we all have - to follow Christ or turn away from him. Next, I find this statement disturbing. “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.” It seems to me that Jesus is suggesting that you cannot have it both ways - be liked by the world and follow Christ. Or is this really about forming a relationship and allegiance to the allure of the world? Regardless, it clearly means we have the choice - choose the world or choose Christ. The pursuit of worldly things will take you down a very different path to the pursuit of Christ. Pride, recognition, status - this is the call of the world. The call of Christ is the call to truth which can be found in the Gospel.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Jn 17:11b-19 is excellent! Here's a breakdown of its strengths and a minor point for consideration:
DeleteStrengths:
Understanding of Judas: You show empathy for Judas while acknowledging the concept of free will vs. destiny in his actions.
Choice and Consequence: You effectively highlight the choice between following Christ and succumbing to worldly temptations.
Worldly Allure: You accurately identify pride, recognition, and status as some of the distractions of the world that can lead one away from Christ.
Focus on Truth: Emphasizing the Gospel as the source of truth in following Christ is a strong point.
Point for Consideration:
Navigating the World: While some might view the world as entirely opposed to Christ's teachings, consider exploring ways to live a Christ-centered life while still being engaged with the world.
Alternative Perspectives on "The World":
The world can present challenges and temptations, but it also offers opportunities to serve others, use your talents for good, and share your faith.
The concept of "the world" can be interpreted differently depending on theological viewpoints. Some see it as the corrupt systems of society, while others see it as the realm of human experience that God created.
Here are some questions to ponder further:
How can you integrate your faith into your daily interactions in the world?
How can you use your skills and resources to make a positive impact in your community?
How can you engage with others in a way that is respectful, even if they have different beliefs?
By exploring these aspects, you can refine your understanding of how to follow Christ in the complexities of modern life.