By Nameswar Baliar Singh csc –
Readings: Acts 20: 28-38; Jn 17: 11b-19
The readings of the day invite me to be vigilant, have faith and remain constantly one with Jesus. Through the first reading, St. Paul reminds me that I must cultivate a strong faith in Jesus through constant prayer to be in union with God, the Father.
It is God who has initiated this call through baptism, in the name of Jesus Christ, and it is I who respond to this call to be faithful in service and shepherd his flock. I am sure that many false teachers may mislead the faithful; there will be divisions in my ministry, disagreements, wrong teachings, persecutions, falsehood, and threats to divide the church and my ministry.
Through the gospel, Jesus reminds me that commitment to prayer, faith, and love can unite us with God. Jesus shows me his love by requesting his Father through prayer that I may be safe in my ministry. Through his prayer, he strengthens my vocation, puts a foundation of faith, and gives hope in my journey towards him. He wants me to be like him despite all difficulties. Jesus invites me to throw away all bitterness, pride, greed, and evil to embrace good things to discern God’s will.