Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

The context of both the readings today is farewell, departure. Paul, in the first reading, is preparing to leave the community at Ephesus after working with them for three years. He has not only preached the gospel among them but also set up an administrative structure. Thus, presbyters (priests) are appointed as leaders of the flock. Similarly, in the gospel reading, Jesus prays for his flock even as he prepares to face his impending death. His prayer is equally poignant – a deep concern for the flock. It would be very easy for us to focus on the work that both Jesus and Paul did during the life time but we already are familiar with that. Rather, I would like to focus on the passion behind the words spoken either in admonition (Paul) or in prayer (Jesus) in these readings. Jesus’ prayer, for example, reveals Jesus’ relationship with the Father. There is an intimacy, a trust, a familiarity, a closeness that is impressive. He begins his prayer with all the love he can muster for his God: “Holy Father!” On the other hand, his love for the people he spoke the Father’s words to is also impressive. He loves his people, his disciples, even those who have rejected the word. Moreover, he consecrates them in the truth.

Jesus’ prayer is answered in the likes of Paul who today speaks to the presbyters with the same passion that Jesus prayed. And Paul wished to pass on Jesus’ passion for the Father and the people and his own love for God and for them to these presbyters.

Passion for God and love for the people is the key to meaningful mission. In some way we are called to the same mission that Jesus and Paul were called to. Whether we are directly involved with some church in ministry, or we work as physicians, engineers, teachers, clerks, maintenance staff, if we can have the passion for God and love for the people we work then even the most mundane work can become an opportunity for mission.

As we prepare for the feast of the Pentecost, let us ask the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts. May there be in us a burning love for God and a genuine love for the people we come into contact with. May our lives be a perpetual mission for Christ. May our lives be at the service of the gospel.

- Fr. Satish Joseph