Sanctified – Reflection on John 17:11b-19 or John 17:11-19
When my mother was unexpectedly dying, we had a lifetime of conversations in one phone call that we should have spread out over time. Among the many topics that melted my heart was when she said how grateful she was to the people in her life, especially her children. It was not as apparent before her last day, but Christ had protected her and filled her life with friends, love, grace, and joy. I did not realize it until then, but Jesus’s prayer to the Father was in her. My mother was happy and looked forward to heaven. Because of one of the ministries I participated in, I witnessed others in their last hours. They were full of grace while “in” the world. They lived the word and knew Jesus’ presence protected and sanctified them.
Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue by James Tissot painting at full resolution.
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Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 17:11-19 – Scripture*
11 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. 12 While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 17:11-19 Reflection – Sanctified.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 17 Bible passage.
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