Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Both of our readings today share a similar theme. In both the first reading and the Gospel, we hear a similar message shared as both Paul and Jesus prepare to leave their followers. Both speak of consecration and truth.
We all know how much easier it is to follow a charismatic leader who is there among us. You can feel closeness and connection, be held accountable and feel like an important part of the mission. But in our faith, we are living proof that it is essential to still carry on the mission, good work and belief, even when the initial driving force has moved on. But sometimes staying connected to the source of our life and goodness can feel challenging. We are offered a solution in our readings.
Paul reminds his followers, these early Christians, to stay vigilant and prays, “And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up (Acts 20:32)”. Similarly, Jesus prays, “Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth (John 17:17)”. As I revisit these readings, I find myself contemplating on the commonalities of these prayers. We are consecrated and commended to God, through His word. Thinking of my daily life I see in this message a reminder to search for God in His word, to daily spend time with the scriptures for that is where God reveals Himself to us. I know that I do not immerse myself in the readings as often or as much as I should, but today’s readings offer an invitation for me to revisit the practice of contemplating God’s Word daily. It is through God’s word that we know who and whose we are. It is through mediation and prayer with the scripture that we can stay connected to our driving force, our deeper meaning, our Lord. Amen.
—AJ Grimm