"Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am, they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will make it known that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them." (Jn 17: 24-26)
In today's Gospel reflection, we read that Jesus prays for the faithful to join Him in Heaven. In Heaven we will see Him clearly and not just in a mirror. Jesus is our advocate with the Father, and desires nothing more than our hearts to rest in Him.
"No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you working such deeds for those who wait for him." (Isaiah 64:3)
This past year has been quite the challenge for me, and I admit there were sometimes I have felt a bit discouraged. Some people have deceived and done me wrong. While I have had to pick up the pieces in my own life, I am sure many of you reading this today have experienced these troubles from time to time. I will spare my sob story, but I will profess that Christ has made known His unconditional love, and through Christ's love, we are truly healed. It is only through Christ that we can conquer the challenges the world presents to us. "I will make it known that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them." (Jn 17:26)
"We have a great Advocate who always defends us and always forgives us: he is Christ; and we must not be afraid to turn to him. We must never forget that." These simple yet profound words by Pope Francis' were given to the General Audience on Wednesday morning, 17 April 2013, in St Peter's Square. It is an excellent reminder not to forget that "we have an advocate with the Father" (1 Jn 2:1).
Let us keep steadfast in our prayer life and use the sacraments that the Catholic Church has given us in order to make our life more Holy. God is our hope, and He will keep us safe. Remember, He is our advocate, determined to comfort and defend us through all our trials.