Psalms 107:13-14
June 19, 2024
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 19 JUNE
June 19, 2024
THE 19th OF JUNE
WE ARE PROTECTED BY OUR LORD SO THAT WE MAY HAVE HIS FULL JOY
“Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” – John 17:11-13
Jesus was praying shortly before His arrest for crucifixion. He was asking His Father to protect His disciples, as He knew that after His death and until they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit, it would be a dark and dangerous time for them. There is power in unity and Jesus commits His spiritual children to His Father and asks Him to keep them in a holy union.
The Lord protected them all, except Judas, the son of perdition, to fulfill the prophecy from Psalms 41:9. The Good Shepherd watched over His flock and He did a great job. Only Judas who was not truly one of the flock, was lost by his own actions and will.
Jesus was ready to leave the world and return to His Father. As His joy came from the strong and continuous relationship He had with His Father, Jesus desired the same relationship of pure joy for His disciples with Father God. This is true for us too. This joy that comes from a sincere and strong relationship with God is deep and long lasting. This deep joy helps us to make it trough the hardships of life, especially when everything crumbles around us.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Father God, thank You so much for all Your protection and care. Praise You for keeping me in the palm of Your hand, and for the assurance of Your love that never fails. In You I find my strength, my peace and a deeper joy than I could have ever imagined. Please help me never forget that You will never let me go and no one can snatch me out of Your hand, as long as I want to stay there. There is no better option, than remaining in You and You in me! Glory, honor and praises to Your Holy Name. Amen
