The Martyrs of Japan, 1597
Text
John 17:15-19
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Reflection
In today’s reading Jesus is now bidding farewell to His disciples. His earthly ministry is coming to an end and it’s time for him to depart and go back to the Father. He is about to redeem humanity through the cross but this is not the end of the world. Life in the world has to continue until his final coming at the appointed time. Importantly, his disciples should continue with the work he has started. The work oif proclaiming the kingdom of God. This is why is praying for them not to leave the world but to be protected by his father. However, I would like to raise five issues; 1. We are here in the world for a purpose and that purpose is to worship him and share God’s word and love with others. This is why in yesterday’s gospel we were reminded that we are the salt and light of the earth. 2. Though we are in the world our life should not be shaped and fashioned by the deeds of the evil one. 3. For us to witness Christ to the world we should be sanctified by his word which is the truth. The word ‘sanctify’ means to be set apart as or declare holy; consecrate. 4. This means worshipping Christ is not our own making by Christ set us apart for his ministry. 5. Therefore before doing God’s work we should ask him to sanctify us otherwise if we use our own power and knowledge we will fail. May the almighty Lord sanctify us for his ministry. Amen.
Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God now and forever. Amen.
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