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 - Jn. 17:14-17
There is something beautiful about someone praying for you. When a friend or loved one goes out of their way to offer time before the Lord for you says a lot. Perhaps they choose to attend a mass for you or offer a novena or a rosary. I've been blessed to have had many people praying for me and my vocation over the years and it's always humbling to learn that. Yet I admit to having often overlooked the reality that there is a particular petitioner before the Father for my life.
As Jesus is preparing his Apostles for His passion, he reminds them that there is a spirt who works against them. They will not be well received by the world nor the evil one. In fact, they will be hated. Yet Jesus makes a clear prayer before His Father in this moment. Jesus prays "keep them from the evil one." You are prayed for by the Son of God Himself. He has petitioned the Father to keep you from the evil one, from the father of lies who is at work in this world. When we find ourselves in the midst of difficulties and temptations, how re-assuring it is to recall that we have been prayed for by Christ for this exact moment. May we respond courageously to the adversity we find in our lives and remember that Jesus has already been praying for us as we encounter that moment.
How might I become more aware of Jesus' prayers for my life?
Jesus, help me to remember that you have already been praying for me.
Reflection by:
Fr. Chuck Dornquast
Did You Know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
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