THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Tuesday of Seventh Week of Easter

Acts 20:17-27

Ps 68

John 17:1-11

Mission accomplished

Dear friends in Christ, there is a great sense of satisfaction when you have done what was assigned to you, to the best of your ability. There is a great feeling when you pass your exams and are promoted to the next level. You feel accomplished adorned in your graduation gown, to celebrate the completion of your studies. You feel a sense of pride, when you are singled out for honour among your peers in your place of work for exceptional service. If you feel so good for earthly honours, imagine when it is an honour coming from the Lord who is satisfied with the way you have lived and are rewarding you with eternal gifts. What more can anyone desire over the honour and glory that the Lord bestows on his faithful servants?

From our first reading today (Acts 20:17-27) one could feel Paul’s unfaltering sense of purpose in spite of all the trials and tribulations he had to go through for the sake of the Gospel. He had spent four years preaching and teaching in Asia and now he feels compelled by the Spirit to return to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to him, as he puts it, “except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.” One could see a longing to do what is right, as his overriding purpose. He said, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Paul’s sense of satisfaction comes from the fact that he has done the will of God in every situation. This is the greatest challenge of our lives as followers of Christ. In another passage, Paul wrote, “For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day.…” (2Tim 4:6-8)

In the gospel passage of today (John 17:1-11), we see Jesus also, calling on the Father at the completion of his mission on earth, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you.” In both passages, we see the sense of fulfilment. Look deep down into your heart, are you satisfied with the life you are living placed side by side with the gospel of Christ?

Let us pray: Lord, like Paul, give us the grace to live as your faithful servants. Help us to realise that our lives will only be precious to the measure we spend it in the service of others. Amen. 

+Remain blessed