First Reading - Acts 20:17-27
Gospel - John 17:1-11
One of the most moving moments in life is a farewell spoken by someone who truly loves and cares for others. In such moments, words become deeply meaningful because they come from the heart. Today’s readings present two beautiful farewell scenes—one from Paul the Apostle and the other from Jesus Christ. Both reveal what matters most in the life of a true disciple: faithfulness to the mission entrusted by God.
In the first reading, Paul gathers the elders of the Church of Ephesus and gives them a heartfelt farewell message. He reminds them how he lived among them—with humility, perseverance, and dedication. He did not seek personal gain or comfort, but faithfully proclaimed the Gospel to all.
Paul also says something striking: “I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus.” His life was centered not on himself, but on the mission God had entrusted to him.
He knows suffering awaits him, yet he remains faithful because his purpose is rooted in Christ.
In the Gospel, we hear the beginning of Jesus’ great prayer before His Passion. Jesus lifts His eyes to heaven and prays to the Father. He speaks of glorifying the Father by completing the work entrusted to Him.
Then Jesus prays for His disciples. He acknowledges that they belong to the Father and asks that they may be protected and remain united.
This prayer reveals the heart of Jesus—a heart full of love, concern, and care for His followers. Even before His suffering, He thinks not of Himself, but of those entrusted to Him.
Dear friends, these readings invite us to reflect on three important aspects of Christian discipleship: faithfulness, mission, and prayer.
First, faithfulness. Paul and Jesus both remained faithful to the mission given by the Father, even when it involved sacrifice and suffering. Faithfulness is not measured by success or recognition, but by perseverance in doing God’s will.
Second, mission. Every Christian has received a mission. We may not travel like Paul or preach to crowds, but through our families, workplaces, and daily responsibilities, we are called to witness to Christ.
Third, prayer. Before facing His Passion, Jesus prayed. Prayer was the source of His strength and communion with the Father. We too need prayer if we are to remain faithful in our mission.
The question for us today is: are we living faithfully the mission God has entrusted to us? Do we persevere even when it becomes difficult? And do we root our lives in prayer like Jesus did?
May we learn from the example of Paul and from the prayer of Jesus. May we remain faithful to our calling with humility and courage. And may our lives become a testimony of love, service, and dedication to God’s mission.
0 Comments