|
|
Since he is the Sun of Justice, he fittingly calls his disciples the light of the world. The reason for this is that through them, as through shining rays he has poured out the light of the knowledge of himself upon the entire world. For by manifesting the light of truth, they have dispelled the darkness of error from the hearts of people.
- St. Chromaticus of Aquileia
(Let the light of God's love shine forth through you this day.)
|
|
|
Acts 20:28-38; Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab
Jn 17:11b-19
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:
“Holy Father, keep them in your name
that you have given me,
so that they may be one just as we are one.
When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me,
and I guarded them, and none of them was lost
except the son of destruction,
in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
But now I am coming to you.
I speak this in the world
so that they may share my joy completely.
I gave them your word, and the world hated them,
because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the Evil One.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”
USCCB lectionary
|
Reflection on the Scripture
|
- Feast of St. Justin Martyr
“I consecrate Myself for their sakes now, that they may be consecrated in truth.” —John 17:19
Today is the sixth day of the Pentecost Novena. Both the first reading and the Gospel reading are concerned with truth. St. Paul warns his disciples that men will distort the truth and attempt to lead them astray (Acts 20:30). Jesus likewise mentions in the Gospel reading that He has guarded His disciples and that they will need further protection (Jn 17:11-12). Jesus then consecrates Himself so that His
disciples will be consecrated in truth (Jn 17:19).
The next day, Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (see Jn 18:38) The secular culture makes everything relative, in an attempt to obscure the truth and promote its own agenda. Yet the Scriptures are greatly concerned with revealing and preserving the truth. Jesus is the Truth (Jn 14:6). “The Spirit is Truth” (1 Jn 5:6). The Spirit will guide us to all truth (Jn 16:13). God’s Word is Truth (Jn
17:17).
To a world with so much deceit, Jesus proclaims: “The reason why I came into the world is to testify to the truth. Anyone committed to the truth hears My voice” (Jn 18:37). The Church is “the pillar and bulwark of truth” (1 Tm 3:15). Immerse yourself in the Word of God and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32).
Prayer: Father, You are so concerned about me following the truth that You sent Your Son and Spirit, and gave the Church to protect me from error. May I be as devoted to the truth as You are.
Promise: God “gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God!” —Ps 68:36
Praise: St. Justin’s First Apology, written about 150 AD, outlines the familiar format of the Mass. The essence of liturgical worship has not changed.
Presentation Ministries
|
|
|
Poems from the Little Flower of Jesus: Saint Therese of Lisieux
- by Athanasius Press, 2018
Part One: To Live of Love
"If any man love Me, he will keep My word and My Father will love him and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. . . My peace I give unto you . . . Abide in My love."
(St. John 14:23, 27, -- 15:9)
3.
To live of love, 'tis by Thy life to live,
O glorious King, my chosen, sole Delight!
Hid in the Host, how often Thou dost give
Thyself to those who seek Thy radiant light.
Then hid shall be my life, unmarked, unknown,
That I may have Thee heart to heart with me;
For loving souls desire to be alone,
With love, and Thee! (Jn 17:17).
|
|
Paperback
|
|
Please support this outreach with a tax-deductible donation.
|
|
|
