During the days leading up to Pentecost the gospel readings are taken from “the last discourse” of Jesus. In St. John’s Gospel this final instruction to the apostles is designed to equip them for post-resurrection life in the Holy Spirit. The discourse ends with what is known as the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. Jesus prays for his disciples. How consoling it is to know that Jesus prays for us! One saying seems puzzling: “I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me.” That actually teaches us that effective prayer is not generic but specific — based on actual relationships, naming names. This is the exact opposite of Lucy’s statement in Peanuts: “I love mankind. It’s people I can’t stand.”
JUNE42019
By Church Staff
