September 18, 2024 - John 17-21

Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17.  Jesus, the Son of God, prayed for us!  “Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one . . . that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves . . . that you keep them from the evil one . . .” (17:11).   Jesus prayed these things for his disciples, but not for them only, “also for those who will believe in my through their word” (17:20).  And soon after, Jesus was betrayed and arrested.  Not only his words, but his actions show his great love for us.  He went to the cross to save those for whom he prayed.

O love, how deep, how broad, how high,

how passing thought and fantasy,

that God, the Son of God, should take

our mortal form for mortals’ sake!

He sent no angel to our race,

of higher or of lower place,

but wore the robe of human frame,

and He Himself to this world came.

All glory to our Lord and God

for love so deep, so high, so broad—

the Trinity whom we adore

forever and forevermore.   -- Thomas á Kempis (15th century)