(Read Acts 20:28-38, Psalm 68 and John 17:11-19)
“I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one.” (John 17:15)
The prayer of Jesus in today’s Gospel passage carries a lot of deep-seated messages. In fact, this prayer is both prophetic and instructive. Firstly, Jesus highlights the hatred of the world. St. Paul in today’s first reading mentions the fact that “fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock…” (Acts 20:29). It shouldn’t surprise you to know that there are many so determined to crush Christianity that they go to the extent of pretending to be members of the flock just to gain ground to do more damage.
Secondly, Jesus does not pray that we should be taken away from the world but He prays for protection from the evil one. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. (Ephesians 6:12). Nevertheless, we wrestle not as victims but as victors because as Jesus himself says, “I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). The devil – the evil one is real; we see all he does but God who is stronger protects us.
Thirdly, Jesus defines the Christian life as a missionary enterprise. “As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18). To be a Christian is to be on a mission: to preach the Gospel. We are not here to become successful as the world sees it. St. Paul in today’s first reading mentions the fact that during his stay, he did not covert anyone’s silver or gold or apparel but worked with his hands to meet his necessities. The love of money is the root of all evil. (1st Timothy 6:10).
Fourthly, Jesus says “they are not of the world even as I am not of the world.” This world is not our home. We are only passing through. We cannot have it all and we can’t expect everything to be perfect in this side of existence. We only need to be content and grateful. The book of Hebrews says: “Be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never fail you nor forsake you.’ Hence we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.’” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
Finally, Jesus prays that we should be sanctified in the truth. What is the truth? Jesus answers: “Your Word is Truth.” (John 17:17). Soak yourself daily in the Word of God.
I pray through Christ Jesus that may we forever enjoy the Divine Protection of the Almighty Father from the plots of the evil ones. Amen.
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