Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

Today’s readings continue to speak to us of Easter joy especially as we prepare for Pentecost. Joy can be fragile; so both Paul and Jesus today encourage the flock to be protective of their faith. Indeed, both of them are speaking about the near future when they will no longer be physically present to the community that they founded and nourished until now. In this context they “consecrate” their communities to God as an act of faith. In Acts of the Apostles, we hear St. Paul’s parting words to the leaders of the church in Ephesus. Paul reminds the elders to be vigilant for the ‘savage wolves’ which will come and pervert the truth and draw disciples away. He commends or consecrates the flock to God and “to that gracious word of God that can build you up.” (Acts 20:32) For Paul, life in God connected to the word can give one life eternal. Also Paul’s example of service to the community, especially the weak will help them on their journey. As Paul leaves, the community begins to grieve their loss. Meanwhile, Paul hurries towards an uncertain fate in Jerusalem; so as to be with the church there, in time for Pentecost.

In the Gospel of John today, Jesus prays to the Father for protection over those who were given to Him. Jesus said, “I speak this prayer in the world so that they may share my joy completely.” (John 17:13b) The prayer continues asking the Lord to “Consecrate them in the truth.” (John 17:17) The truth is the word. The truth is Jesus. The truth is our heavenly Father.

What a wonderful spiritual exercise it would be, then, to consecrate ourselves and those we love to the Lord. Perhaps, we should even consecrate those we do not get along with. Those involved as medical, teaching or church ministry can consecrate their patients, students, or parishioners to the Lord. Like our Baptism, the readings call on us to cherish our gift of faith and to live with a sacred sense of purpose. When we live this way, we share Jesus’ complete joy.

Lord, we rededicate this day, our lives and the world to you! Help us in our daily struggles not to focus directly on our burdens, but to know that are lives are consecrated to you. Lord, let our life song give praise to your work on earth. Amen! Alleluia!

-Michael Montgomery