and not one was lost, except the one who was already lost, and in this, the Scripture was
fulfilled. And now I come to you; in the world I speak these things, so that those whom you
gave me, might have joy—all my joy within themselves. I have given them your word;
and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the
world, I do not ask you to remove them from the world, but to keep them from the evil
one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Consecrate them in the
truth. Your word is truth. I have sent them into the world as you sent me into the world;
and for their sake, I go to the sacrifice by which I am consecrated, so that they too
may be consecrated in truth.
Reflect
Today’s Gospel continues Jesus’ last prayer for his disciples. It’s not an easy, comfortable
prayer, asking that all things go well for them. Indeed, how could it be? Jesus knew that his
suffering and death would cause fear, doubt, and grief for his disciples. Jesus did not pray
that his disciples would be protected from this struggle but that the Father would strengthen
them to pass through it, remaining committed to the truth that makes us holy.
How often do my prayers ask God to give me what I want instead of what he knows that I
need? Do I seek to follow my own will rather than God’s will? Do I ask to be spared
struggles and difficulties or do I ask God for the strength and grace to help me pass through
them?
It is easy to be faithful when all is going well. We can even begin to believe that we deserve
our good fortune. But it is in the trying times of life where our faith is tested that we are able
to grow, learning to depend on God’s grace to help us move forward and to keep us holy.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023