by Sarah Brock
Today’s Readings:
AM Psalm 1, 2, 3 PM Psalm 4, 7
Daniel 1:1-21; 1 John 1:1-10;
Our feet firmly planted in Easter, the daily lectionary cycles us back to the chapter just before the Passion Narrative begins in the Gospel of John. And, as he prepares himself for the hour that has come, Jesus prays. This entire chapter is his prayer lifted up to God.
And, what do you think he prays for as he prepares for the turbulence to come?
Jesus prays for us.
He prays for his followers and those who will come to believe through them.
Jesus prays for us.
He prays for our protection.
He prays for our unity.
He prays for our sanctification.
He prays for God’s love to be in us.
I suppose it should not be surprising that this is how Jesus chose to spend his quickly dwindling time. And, yet, it is incredibly humbling to sit with this knowledge.
Jesus prays for us. Jesus prays for me. Jesus prays for you.
It is true for me, and I suspect for many of us, that it is easy to believe ‘Jesus loves me.’ I grew up singing these words as a child. When asked if I know Jesus loves me, my answer is a no-brainer. However, I’ve come to learn more recently, that is it one thing to know or believe that Jesus loves me. It is one thing to know that Jesus prays for me. But, it is entirely different to feel that love.
Do you feel Jesus’ love? Have you ever taken a moment to really feel loved by God?
These are questions that give me pause more often than not. They do not solicit the same easy answer, but rather elicit deep reflection, vulnerability, and humility.
Jesus prays for us. An act of love for his followers. An act of love for you and me.
Do you feel Jesus’ love?
Sarah Brock is becoming a postulant in the Diocese of Massachusetts and lives in Boston.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
