[Sunday before Pentecost]
The Seventh Sunday of Easter is a sacred pause between the Ascension of the Lord and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. During this in-between time, the Church reflects on Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and His desire for unity, mission, and sanctity among His followers. It’s a Sunday marked by anticipation and prayer, just as the early Church waited in the Upper Room for the promised Advocate.
Gospel Reading:
John 17:11b–19
“Holy Father, keep them in your name… Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.”
This Gospel comes from Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer” — a deeply intimate moment before His Passion where He prays not only for His disciples but for all who will believe in Him. He prays for their protection, joy, and sanctification.
Key Themes:
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Unity in Christ: Jesus prays that His followers may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity reflects the heart of Christian witness.
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Consecration in Truth: Jesus desires that His followers be set apart in the truth of God’s Word and remain faithful in a world full of challenges.
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Mission and Protection: As the disciples are sent into the world, Jesus does not ask for their removal from danger but for strength to remain faithful and joyful in it.
Reflection:
This final Sunday of Easter invites us to contemplate the depth of Christ’s love and concern for His people. As He returns to the Father, Jesus entrusts the mission of the Gospel to His followers — a mission that continues in the Church today. In a world that is often divided and hostile to truth, we are called to live in unity, be consecrated in God’s Word, and radiate the joy that comes from belonging to Christ.
Like the early Church gathered in prayer after the Ascension, we too are called to pray and prepare our hearts for the Holy Spirit’s renewal at Pentecost.
Spiritual Takeaway:
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Do I seek unity in my relationships, especially within the Church?
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How rooted am I in the truth of God’s Word?
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Am I living my mission as a joyful witness of Christ?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as You prayed for Your disciples, pray now for us. Consecrate us in Your truth and protect us from evil. Strengthen our unity as Your Body and send us forth in Your joy to witness to Your love. Prepare our hearts to receive the Holy Spirit anew, that we may be faithful to Your mission. Amen.