May 15, 2015: John 17:13-19

John 17:13-19 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.  Reflection: Testify and Santify Here, in John, we find a unique and wonderful image of Jesus.  While Jesus is offering a specific prayer for his disciples in this text, there is much we can learn from it.  It both models prayer for us all and begins to explain how in the world we find ourselves in our predicaments. Jesus knew the struggles disciples would face.  He made no apologies for them.  We should model this in our lives.  We are not called to live a "woe as me" faith, rather, and life of faith that has deep roots bearing the deep roots of being called by God.  Where we end, God begins.  Indeed, when we are weak, He i strong.  Remember this.  Claim it.  Live it.  Jesus leaves is with these parting words of hope- that we be "sanctifies".  How in the world can we be so?  It is not about our actions- in specific our mistakes- rather about the faith we place in God which grants us the freedom to live sanctified lives of faith embracing God's grace and mercy.  May this empower you and offer you hope.

Reflection Questions:

Morning: How would you rank your prayer life? How might this example of Jesus' prayer change your approach to prayer?

Noon: What does it mean to be a disciple?

Evening: Where is there room to grow today?How is God trying to offer you grace and mercy and, in particular, sanctify you?