Eastertide Day 46 Wednesday June 4 2025
John 17: 11-19 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
In this passage, Jesus prays for His disciples, asking the Father to protect them and keep them united in love. He acknowledges the challenges and the world’s opposition but entrusts them to God’s care. Jesus’ prayer reveals His deep desire for His followers to be sanctified in the truth and to remain in the world as witnesses to God’s love.
As we reflect during Eastertide, a season of new life and resurrection, we are reminded that like the disciples, we are called to live in the world with courage and faith, sustained by the unity and truth of Christ. Our mission is to be light in darkness, grounded in the love Jesus prays for.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You prayed for us to be kept safe and united in Your love. Help us to remain faithful and courageous as we live in the world. Sanctify us by Your truth and guide us to be witnesses of Your resurrection power. Strengthen our hearts to overcome fear and division, that we may shine Your light to others.
Amen.