“They do not belong to the world
john 17:16
any more than I belong to the world.”
John 17:11b – 19
Reflection
Jesus continues to pray to his Father. He asks that the ones he was given not be taken out of the world but be kept from the Evil One. Scripture has been fulfilled by Christ, and the people Jesus is given have been sent into the world. Jesus asks that they be consecrated in truth, for God’s word is truth.
Jesus says that the ones he has been given (the disciples) do not belong to the world. We do not belong to the world. We are pilgrims on a journey to heaven, our true home. Sometimes this is difficult to remember, and we get caught up in what the world has to offer. These temptations from Satan only distract us from Christ and don’t lead us closer to joy or peace.
Jesus wants to share his joy with us completely, and in order for that to happen, we must follow him and live out his teachings. These teachings are often contrary to what the world preaches, but again, we do not belong to this world. We spend this life becoming holier and growing in relationship with Jesus, joyfully anticipating the day when we can be in full union with him.
Reflect on how you can remain true to Christ and resist Satan’s many temptations. Pray for the grace to focus on the one true goal of getting to heaven.
Saint of the Day
St. Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad: 1870 – 1957
“In an instant the love of God was poured over me. I understood that I could respond to that love only through sacrifice and a love prepared to suffer for His glory and for the Church. Without hesitation I offered Him my life, and my will to follow Him on the Way of the Cross.”
St. Mary Elizabeth
The Healing Word 