THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Wednesday of seventh week of Easter, 2021

Acts 20: 28-38

Ps 68

John 17: 11-19

Keep them United

Dear friends in Christ, there are very difficult moments of separation in life when it becomes impossible to know what becomes of the other. When someone dies, even with all our faith, the best gift we can give is to commend the person to God. In the rite of final commendation at a funeral Mass, we often recite a short litany: “Angels of God come to his aid, come to meet him Angels of the Lord, receive his soul and present him to God the Most High…” But departure is not limited to death, when parents drop off their kids in school for the first time, particularly the boarding school; when you drop off a friend at the air or sea port or train station, there is that feeling of helplessness about what comes next. The best thing to do at such a moment, is to commend the other to God.

In our Gospel of today (John 17:11-19), we see the prayer of Jesus, in the words of an anxious parent about the future of his children. “Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” The fact that Jesus continues to pray for his disciples after almost three years of passing on the word of God to them, speaks volume. His plea that the Father keep them united, is even more instructive, as he knew what might become of the community if that unity is lacking. This is a constant reminder to us too, that we are always in need of God’s grace to remain united and we must continually pray for that grace. Families need the grace of God to remain united in the face of the challenges and difficulties of our time which are tearing them apart. The community whether religious or circular, needs grace to remain united, lest they slide to the part of violence and war. We can never pray too much for that grace to remain one and indivisible people of God.

St Paul, following the example of Jesus also commended the leaders of the Church in Ephesus and the people to God (Acts 20:30-38). “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come among you…and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things…therefore be alert….And I commend you to God and to the word of grace…” One thing is very clear in this passage, those who are leaders must be vigilant as they have responsibilities not only to themselves, but also to those under their care. Parents must watch over their families, priests over the church and government over the people. Danger can come from outside, but always more dangerous when troubles come from within. For that reason we need the grace of God.

Let us pray: Lord renew us in your grace so that we may walk in the path of truth and unity. Amen. 

+Remain blessed