"Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”
(John 17:17-19)
Jesus desires that we have the full measure of His joy within us as His disciples. The joy of the Lord is our strength. We need divine protection in a world filled with spiritual dangers. God’s word is truth. As believers, we have been sanctified to by the truth. We live in the world but not be of the world. Let us continue Jesus’ mission in the world and to pray for others, interceding on their behalf.
11 Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are. 12 When I was with them, I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. 14 I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. 17 Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. 19 And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.” (John 17:11-19)
In the heart of every disciple, a joy does reside, a joy from Jesus, in whom we confide. The joy of the Lord, our strength, our song, guiding us, uplifting us, making us strong. In a world of dangers, seen and unseen, we need divine protection, a shield serene. God's word is truth, a beacon so bright, guiding us through the darkest night. As believers, by truth, we've been sanctified,
In God's love and grace, we have confided. Though we live in the world, we're not of its mold, in God's kingdom, we have a stronghold. Jesus' mission in the world, we continue to uphold, spreading His love, a story to be told. Praying for others, interceding in prayer, showing God's love, His mercy, His care.
Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You, acknowledging Your desire for us to have the full measure of Your joy within us. We understand that the joy of the Lord is our strength, and we seek to experience this joy in our daily lives. We recognize the spiritual dangers in the world and pray for Your divine protection. Guard us from harm and guide us in Your ways. We affirm that Your word is truth. As believers, we have been sanctified by this truth. Help us to live out this sanctification in our thoughts, words, and actions. Though we live in the world, we are not of the world. Help us to remember this as we navigate the challenges of life. We are committed to continuing Your mission in the world. Empower us to spread Your love and truth to those around us. Finally, we pray for others, interceding on their behalf. May Your grace and mercy touch their lives. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
God’s blessings far outweigh life’s difficulties. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Leaders have the responsibility to guard and shepherd the Lord's church and to pay careful attention to themselves and to all the flock, commending them to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build them up. False teachers can draw people away from the truth. We should be vigilant and always stay alert against false teachings. Despite the challenges even in the face of hard times, we should all the more continue to persevere in evangelism by sharing the Gospel. Let our own example of hard work and selfless service inspire others to do the same.
28 At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus: “Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the Church of God that he acquired with his own Blood. 29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock. 30 And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them. 31 So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day, I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated. 33 I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You know well that these very hands have served my needs and my companions. 35 In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 They were all weeping loudly as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him, 38 for they were deeply distressed that he had said that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship. (Acts 20:28-38)
In life's vast sea of trials deep and wide, God's blessings are our compass and our guide. They outweigh life's difficulties, you'll find, and bring a peace that calms the troubled mind. 'Tis more blessed to give than to receive, a truth we know, in which we believe. Leaders, shepherds of the Lord's own flock, guard His church upon the solid rock. Pay careful attention, leaders must, in God and His grace, they place their trust. Building up the flock in love and peace, in the hope that strife and discord cease. False teachers come, their words may seem sweet, but they draw people from truth's safe retreat. Vigilance is needed, alert we must stay, against false teachings that lead us astray. Challenges abound, times may be tough, yet, we share the Gospel, never enough. In face of hard times, our resolve never wane, for we know our labor is not in vain. Our example of hard work and selfless deed, may inspire others to help those in need. In service and love, we make our stand, guided always by God's gentle hand.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today, acknowledging that Your blessings far outweigh life's difficulties. We are reminded that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and we seek to live out this truth in our daily lives. We pray for the leaders of Your church. Grant them the wisdom and strength to guard and shepherd Your flock. Help them to pay careful attention to themselves and to all under their care. We commend them to You, Lord, and to the word of Your grace, which is able to build them up. We are aware, Lord, that false teachers can draw people away from the truth. We pray for discernment and vigilance, that we may always stay alert against false teachings. Help us to hold fast to Your Word, which is the truth that sets us free. Despite the challenges we face, even in the hardest of times, we pray for the perseverance to continue sharing the Gospel. Let our faith not waver, but grow stronger in adversity. Finally, Lord, we pray that our own example of hard work and selfless service may inspire others to do the same. May our lives reflect Your love and grace to the world around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
God acts with power in history, driving away enemy armies, and in nature, through earthquake, thunder, and rain. He gives power to His people. We should always praise and worship the Lord acknowledging His power and recognizing and appreciating all the blessings we receive from God. Let us rely on God for strength and power as we journey in accordance with the will and purpose of the Lord for our lives.
29 Show forth, O God, your power, the power, O God, with which you took our part; 30 For your temple in Jerusalem let the kings bring you gifts. 33 You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; chant praise to the Lord 34 who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens. Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power: 35 “Confess the power of God!” Over Israel in his majesty; his power is in the skies. 36 Awesome in his sanctuary is God, the God of Israel; he gives power and strength to his people. (Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35, 35-36)
In history's grand tapestry, God's power weaves, driving away enemy armies, like autumn leaves. In nature's vast expanse, His might does reign, through earthquake's tremor, thunder's roar, and rain. He gives His people power, strength for the fight, guiding us through the day, protecting in the night. We should always praise and worship the Lord above, acknowledging His power, His mercy, His love. Recognizing blessings, in abundance they flow, from God's endless fountain, where grace does grow. Appreciating all we receive, in joy and strife, for every good thing is a gift of life. Let us rely on God, our fortress, our tower, drawing from His wellspring of strength and power. As we journey forth, in His will, His plan, walking in accordance with the purpose of the Grand I AM.
Dear Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your power, displayed throughout history. You have driven away enemy armies and shown Your might in nature, through earthquakes, thunder, and rain. We are humbled by the power You bestow upon us, Your people. We commit to always praise and worship You, acknowledging Your power that is evident in all of creation. We recognize and appreciate the countless blessings we receive from You. Each one is a testament to Your unfailing love and grace. As we journey through life, we rely on You for strength and power. We trust in Your will and purpose for our lives, knowing that Your plans are perfect. Guide us, Lord, as we strive to walk in Your ways and live out the calling You have placed on our lives. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
III: The Book of Glory
THE PRAYER OF JESUS
John 17:1-26
First Reading
V. The Mission of Paul to the Ends of the Earth
PAUL'S FAREWELL SPEECH AT MILETUS
Acts 20:17-38
Responsorial Psalm
Second Book of Psalms 42-72
THE EXODUS AND CONQUEST, PLEDGE OF FUTURE HELP
Psalm 68:1-36
Reflection Source:
Copilot
