Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
John 17:20-26
Today's Gospel is the very beautiful Last Discourse, the prayer of Jesus on the night He was betrayed. It allows us a glimpse of the tender heart of Christ who, though knowingly was about to suffer and die, demonstrated extraordinary concern not for Himself, but others.
This attribute of selflessness is the hallmark of Christ, and so too of those who want to be His beloved followers. And yet without grace--His grace--we are powerless to accomplish it.
There might be fleeting moments when we put ourselves aside and forget our own concerns or interests, but often--too often--these moments are fleeting and the return of self-concern takes over.
Only with God's help may we with any constancy be imitators of Christ; so we pray,
O Lord,
God of all,
constant and faithful God,
do not leave me to myself and my selfishness,
but let me be like You!
Amen
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo
Australia