Our Focus scripture reading for this Sunday is in the Gospel of John 17:1-11
Some people say, “I can be a Christian without going to church,” that may be true, but individually we are not very strong. When Satan tries to tempt us to do something we know is wrong, it can be very difficult to resist if we try to do it on our own. But if the Christian community is united around the vulnerable one, it will be a source of strength and encouragement for one and for the group. We will be much stronger if we are one in a community.
One day, Jesus went away to pray. He prayed for his disciples because he knew that they would have to live in the world and that they would face evil and temptations of all kinds. He also knew that if his disciples remained united, they would be much stronger than if they remained one. So, Jesus prayed and asked God to protect them and help them stay united, as He and God, His Father were one.
In this last Sunday of the season of Easter before the festival of Pentecost and the beginning of a long, green season, Jesus’ closing words, are more than a suitable finish. “And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” This blessing and prayer are, perhaps, the most relevant and truthful definitions of what Pentecost is supposed to be for all Christ disciples. Jesus is no longer in the world. The incarnation is over. Jesus has been resurrected. He ascended to the Father. But we are still in the world, Jesus’ works are now in our hands, and Jesus is counting on us to be his presence in the wake of his absence . When we feel that we are being tempted, let us seek God’s protection and the prayerful union of the Christian community.
We will be praying for you and your family. Please include us in your prayers as well.
Dear God, thank you for Jesus who prays and asked you to protect and help us stay united. Help us to be one with other believers, just as YOU are ONE with Jesus your Son. Amen.
See you at worship!