Love of Christ

Readings for Thursday May 28, 20009

First Reading: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16
Gospel: John 17:20-26


Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: "I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them." (John 17:20-26)

Today let us read and reflect on today's gospel reading. If there ever has or is any doubt about the love of Christ, let us read this passage and His prayer for us. Let us reflect on how much God wants us to be with Him, how much He loves us. Then let us reflect on all that Jesus gave up for His love of us. Jesus loved us so much, He didn't just talk about it, it showed us by sacrificing His life so that we can live. Let us never doubt the love that Christ has for us.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for this day. We thank you and praise you for your great love, a love that we do not deserve, but that you freely give. Lord help us to follow you where ever you lead and help us to see your perfect will in our lives. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.