Consecrate them in the truth

GOSPEL: JN 17:11B-19 LIFTING up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are. When I was with them, I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

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A key dimension of Jesus’ mission is to preach the truth.

In his high priestly prayer, Jesus prays that his disciples may be consecrated in the truth. Jesus preaches the truth that brings peace, justice, and love, upholding the dignity of men and women as children of God. The truth that sets free is based on the fundamental moral principle: “Do good and avoid evil.” Jesus prays that his disciples be spared from the lies and deceit of the “world,” those who oppose his teachings and the values of the Kingdom of heaven.

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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2020,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls. ph.