Thursday May 8, 2008: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; John 17:20-26

It is clear in today’s gospel that the prayer and promise of Jesus was not only for the Apostles that lived during his time, but this was extended to all those who will believe the gospel preached by the apostles. We are all beneficiaries of this gospel. There is no reason why we cannot engage in ecumenism today in order to heal the wounds that our divisions have caused. Jesus Christ says we are the Father’s gift to him. The gift of the Father is a precious gift, and thus, Jesus treats us as his precious gifts. There is special benefit for us because we are God’s gift to Jesus – the privilege to being wherever he is. We have no doubts in our minds where he is. He is in heaven and he waits with joyful anticipation to receive us there. Meanwhile, Jesus prays that Christians may have divine love – the love with which the Father has loved him. This is the greatest challenge that Jesus leaves us all today - to love as the Father has loved him.



In what ways can we love as the Father loved Jesus?