Jesus' Invitation

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.  And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.  Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world.  Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me.  I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”  John 17: 20 - 26

Today’s gospel passage from John provides us with the call to be of service to one another.  Serviam – I will serve is an integral part of who we are called to be.  Jesus reiterates this with his disciples and prays that they may be one.  St. Angela, in her writings, tells us to be “united of one heart and one will.”  Let us take some time today to hear and live Jesus’ invitation to love and serve those around us.

Pat Schifini, OSU