SANCTIFY THEM…

Acts 20:28-38 
28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of the LORD which he obtained with the blood of his own.29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.35 In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

36 And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all.37 And they all wept and embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they brought him to the ship.

John 17:11-19 
11 And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.12 While I was with them, I kept them in thy name, which thou hast given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled.13 But now I am coming to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

14 I have given them thy word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.15 I do not pray that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil one.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.17 Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth.18 As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.

MEDITATION

THE FIRST READING: After spending three years in Ephesus establishing a number of church communities, Paul the Apostle assembled the overseers or bishops of the Church and delivered a compassionate farewell speech.The overseers were told to be on the alert of “fierce wolves;” false teachers who will show up to draw away the flock. 

Paul remind his bishops that he did not serve God in order to fill his pockets with gold or silver, but to build up God’s kingdom. He had a special interest to serve the poor and the marginalized. 

THE GOSPEL READING: Jesus gather the apostles and poured out His heart to the Father, expressing His love for the twelve and seeking the Father’s intervention to watch over them, and prevent the evil one from seperating them. Our Lord refers to the “son of perdition,” also known as the “son of death” in reference to Judas, who was destined to perish for his traitorous actions! Christ indulge the Father to keep the apostles from the evil one; set them apart and make them holy as He was sanctified and made Holy by the Father. 

From the begining of the Church; Apostles, bishops and priests have arisen who sowed discord with false teachings and treacherous behavior not unlike Judas, to the extent that Christian communities were torn apart. We certainly live in a time when a handful of our spiritual leaders are feasting whilst the people are spiritually starved from objective truths on matters of faith and morals.We are called to pray for our consecrated leaders with the hope that they rededicate themselves to the Gospel truth. To be sure, we the laity are reminded to also remain true to the gospel; in and out of season! 

LET US PRAY: Psalms 68:29-30,33-35 

29 Because of thy temple at Jerusalem kings bear gifts to thee.30 Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples.Trample under foot those who lust after tribute; scatter the peoples who delight in war.

33 to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; lo, he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.34 Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and his power is in the skies.35 Terrible is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel, he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!

Commentary. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.