Thursday | May 16, 2024
John 17:20
I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word…
The 7th Week of Easter
Prayed for by Jesus
In the High Priestly Prayer said in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for you and me. He prayed saying, “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” The faith has been handed down to us first through the Apostles. There’s a great comfort in knowing that on the night before he died, Jesus was already praying for us, for our strength and faithfulness.
St. Paul received the Gospel from the followers of Jesus, and his heart was changed and convicted. Jesus prayed for Paul that night in the Garden, and Paul’s words later converted many and are heard by us today. And in Acts, Paul bears witness to Jesus and the resurrection of the dead. He was not afraid to speak truth before others. Strengthened by Jesus’ prayer so long ago and the grace he gives us now, many others believe in him because of our words and actions.
- Fr. Edward Looney
Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 • Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11 • John 17:20-26
