Eucharistic Gospel Readings for the Seventh Sunday after Easter: Year A
“And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” (John 17:11 NRSV)
Perhaps the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), is not the best translation of this prayer between our Lord Jesus and his inmost self, God Almighty. I always compare other translations as I prepare the words I intend to share with you. The New International Version, (NIV) reads, “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.”
The difference between these two readings is, in the NRSV, Jesus indicates he has already left the world. In the NIV, Jesus talks about a very near future departure. I am always skeptical about an ancient language that has been translated many, many times. What I glean from this passage, in any language, is that our Lord Jesus is standing in both dimensions, both heaven and earth at the time of His prayer.
Jesus further says that we are in Him and He is in us, and together, we are in the Creator. Wow!
As believers we should act and behave as we understand, and truly believe, that we are in our Lord and our Lord is in us. Right now we have one foot on earth and the other in life eternal in paradise.
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray:
Oh, most Holy and life-giving Lord God, as part of Your existence resides in each of us, as it is made known to us by Your Incarnate Word, our Savior Jesus Christ, teach us we pray through our ancient scriptures to yield to Your lead in our lives. Enable us more and more to come together as one in You as You are in us beneath our outward looks and diverse cultures and languages, where Your love in us prepares us for our journey to You, most Holy and life-giving Lord God. Amen.