Word to the Wise
Tuesday, May 19, 2015 - 7th Week of Easter - Tues
[Acts 20:17-27 and John 17:1-11a]"I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world... I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given to me because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them." [John]
The Farewell Discourse(s) take a different turn now with chapter 17, which scripture scholars have called (since the 16th century) the "High Priestly Prayer." Jesus prays directly to his Father as an intercessor for "those you have given me." As the quote shows, it is a convoluted and intertwined, almost stream of consciousness, prayer. Jesus prays for his disciples who have come to believe in him as the one whom God has sent.
We will be working our way through this prayer for the next several days. The first thing that I speak to, however, is the important duty to pray for others. Jesus intercedes for his disciples. Now, I do not think of myself has having disciples, but I am grateful for all the Beloved Congregation who read this reflection and for the family, friends and Dominican community whom God has given to me. Therefore, every morning I take a long walk and pray the rosary for you and them. I see this as a serious and joyful duty. I see it as part of "the work that God has given me to do." In Gospel of John, bearing fruit means bringing others to faith, and in doing do we give them the gift of eternal life! That is a powerful gift and for that reason, if for no other, praying for others becomes a wonderful gift. AMEN