Thamajoy Reang csc –
Readings: Acts 22: 30, 23: 6 – 11; Jn 17: 20 – 26
The first reading speaks about the accusation of Paul in the council and the faith contradictions between Sadducees and the Pharisees regarding the hope in the resurrection.
The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection, nor in angels or spirits, whereas the Pharisees confessed both. Through this reading, Paul calls us to be courageous in proclaiming the salvation of God through our missions, making people know Christ, who brought forth the hope of the resurrection for humankind.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus praying to His Father for us so that we all may know and believe in Him and also in the One who sent Him. Jesus assures us that He and the Father are one, and He prays so that we all may become one in faith. We have chosen in our lives to follow and be with Christ through faith and through our baptism. Today, it is our duty to make people know and believe in Christ through the mission we choose to do and by our very way of life.
Therefore, both readings invite us to be true witnesses of the risen Christ and step out of our comfort zones by helping people believe in the love of God and salvation. As we dare to excurse our lives for Christ, we may face challenges, difficulties and accusations but Jesus promises us that He will be there with in moments of pains and sufferings.