Breaking the Word

7^th week in Easter Time, Thursday – 25^th May 2023 – Acts 22,30; 23,6-11; Jn 17,20-26

Fulfilling the Promises  

In the first reading, Paul, after his conversion, testified always for Jesus in Jerusalem. He began preaching in the Jewish synagogue whenever he entered a new city. Often some Jews and several Gentiles would believe in his preaching. Many times, he was misunderstood and attacked for bringing more Gentiles to conversion. When Paul’s life was in danger in Jerusalem, Jesus appeared to him in the temple and told him what to do (Acts 22,17-21). When Paul was discouraged in Corinth and contemplated going elsewhere, Jesus appeared to him and encouraged him to stay (Acts 18,9-10). Now, when he was certainly very much down in his ministry, Jesus appeared once again to encourage and instruct him. Indeed, this was a great assurance of Jesus’ everlasting presence, “I am with you always” and a sign of protection. Since it was not only the Lord’s wish, but Paul’s desire for months (Acts 19,21; Rom 15,22-29) that Paul needed to witness to the Gospel in Rome, he was protected until then. He was saved many times from the dangerous sea voyage that included a fierce storm (Acts 27,13-18), a shipwreck (Acts 27,39-44) and a viper (Acts 28,3-6). He found encouragement in this promise, when he had difficult times with the leaders, the fanatics who tried to kill him and the government officials who ignored him. In all of this, the Lord was with him and fulfilling His perfect plan to get His Faithful servant to Rome.

7^th week in Easter Time, Wednesday – 24^th May 2023 –  Gospel: Jn 17,11b-1

Divine Association

As Jesus departs from the world, he is leaving his disciples behind. His own mission in the world is coming to an end, but that of the disciples is about to begin. Therefore, in this section, Jesus prays to the Father for his disciples. He prays, first, that God may “protect them” from evil (vv.11,15). Jesus knows that the disciples will be persecuted by the world, just as he himself was hated by the world (v.14). Yet, Jesus asks the Father not to take them out of the world, but rather to protect them from the evil powers within the world (v.15). Second, he prays that God may “sanctify them” in the truth (vv.17,19). In order to prepare for and succeed in their mission in the world, the disciples must be holy, as God is holy (vv.11,17). This sanctification in the truth involves the work of both the Son and the Holy Spirit. Association with Jesus, the saving truth of God (14,6), will equip the disciples for service in his name. Association with the Spirit, who is the “Spirit of truth” (14,17), will sanctify believers to reveal and serve a “holy Father”.