Word to the Wise
Thursday, June 2, 2022 - 7th Week of Easter - Tues
[Acts 20:17-27 and John 17:1-11a]"I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me." [John]
The "Last Supper discourse" is coming to an end with Jesus' "high priestly" prayer. Certain key ideas or motifs of the entire Gospel According to John appear to remind us of the message of this gospel.
The first idea is that Jesus is the one sent by God. The second idea is the unity of Jesus with his Father. The third idea is that those who believe in Jesus share in the love that exists between Jesus and his Father. To believe in Jesus is the beginning of eternal life.
All of this may be found by going back to the "Prologue" to the gospel which serves like the overture to an opera or musical in which the major themes and songs are stated.
A last idea - one that is both comforting and challenging - is that Jesus prays for us and for those who will come to believe in him because of our witness. Our faith is not to be hoarded but shared.
The next couple of days will take us to the final chapter of the Gospel According to John, the so-called "Johannine Appendix, which takes place after the resurrection and recalls ideas from before the Last Supper/Passion chapters (13-20). Stay tuned! AMEN