Word to the Wise
Tuesday, May 15, 2018 - 7th Week of Easter - Tues
[Acts 20:17-27 and John 17:1-11a]TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2018. TUESDAY IN THE SEVENTH WEEK OF EASSTER [Acts 20:17-27 and John 17:1-11a] Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your Son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” [John] The Farewell Address begins a new segment today which scripture scholars have entitled, “the High Priestly Prayer.” Jesus is not addressing the disciples here. He is addressing his Father, and his prayer is a kind of spiraling reflection on his mission as well as a prayer for the disciples who will continue that mission. Several prominent themes of the gospel are present. Jesus has been sent from God and is returning to God. Eternal life means faith in Jesus and begins not at the end of time but with faith in him and his words. This latter truth can be a challenge to us who may see anything “eternal” as being beyond our space and time continuum. But, in the Gospel According to John, we are assured that we taste eternity when we believe in Jesus as the one whom God has sent. This is the main message of this Gospel and it can be a great joy if we accept it, and we will fulfill our mission when we bring others to it. AMEN