7 Easter A – Acts 1:12-14; Psalms 27:1, 4, 7-8; 1 Peter 4:13-16; John 17:1-11a When I lived in Brooklyn back in the 1950’s, not everyone on our block had his/her own phone line. A group of us were linked together, and held what was called a “party line,” i.e., multiple households shared the line. So, sometimes when one of us would pick up the phone to make an outgoing call, we would hear voices at the other end; sometimes we knew them, and at other times, we had no idea who was doing the speaking. Likewise, the content of those other voices’ messages varied: at times, they were filled with excitement, e.g., like the announcement of an engagement, or the birth of a child. Other discussions freely used some language that we young ones were forbidden to use, on the phone or at any time. Many times, the people already speaking on the line would hear the “click” in the phone, and know that someone else was listening in, and tell us firmly to stop listening and get off the line!
Well, whether you’ve had the experience of a “party line,” or just happened to eavesdrop on or overhear someone else’s conversation, today, in the Gospel, you and I have the privilege of listening in, to an intimate and solemn prayer. Jesus directly speaks to God our Father, and the words involve their relationship, but also you and me! In today’s reflection, I want to draw a connection between Christ’s living Word & Christ’s living church. Every time Jesus uses some form of the word glory, that praise & honor Christ Jesus attributes to God and ALSO is connected to Christ’s prayer for us: by God’s plan, you and I are included in God’s glory. How? Back in the ancient church, St. Irenaeus wrote that God’s glory is witnessed in man and woman fully alive. That’s a very strong declaration, isn’t it? i.e., By divine design & destiny, you and I were created to join with Christ Jesus in glorifying God. And one day, with God’s help, we will see Christ glorified & ourselves with him.
As we listened to this beautiful Gospel, and hear this wonderful prayer from Jesus’ own heart, we realize it would have occurred at the Last Supper time, near the end of His earthly life. In that sense, these words are part of Jesus’ farewell address. Now, I don’t know if you have spent time close to people who were preparing to cross over from this world into eternity. But I can tell you this: sometimes, their written & spoken last words are profound, and contain lasting impact. Take a few seconds: think about what you would want to say to people in your last 24hrs on earth. (pause).
When we look at the religious truths revealed in history, God was faithful to Jesus & did love Jesus; God did stand by him and did strengthen him, & did raise him 2new life from the grave, & then to heaven. And we receive these gifts, & so many moreby our baptismal grace connection to Him. More? Yes! God is ALSO raising us out of our smaller deaths: fears, failures, closures, &disappointments. &that is just like God and ONLY God: to bring life & victory out of defeat & death,& restore hope.
So, to counteract the negative power contained in failures & to reverse all of defeat’s sorrows, we DO need divine intervention. Over the next week, let’s prepare together for the Pentecost feast: it will be 50 days after Easter next Sunday, as we celebrate the birthday of the Church, as well as the infusion of the Holy Spirit into the Church. Let’s be open, be ready, be willing: let God’s gift equip you and all of us, with what we need to serve others in the community. & let’s end today’s reflection with a picture embedded in our minds: the image of Christ Jesus the Lord personally prayingfor us, and for all. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
