KEEP THEM TRUE

PRAYER MOMENT                          

Wednesday 4 June 2014

KEEP THEM TRUE

Pause. Be still in the presence of God

Reading: “Holy Father, keep those you have given me true to your name.” (John 17:11-19)

Reflection. As Paul bids farewell to the elders of Ephesus at Miletus (Acts 20:28-38), he tells them, “Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you the overseers.” He echoes the words of Jesus at his farewell to his disciples, praying that the Father will “keep them true to your name.” The call to be true to the original inspiration of the founder is something every church and every religious community has to face. The Jesuits, for instance, struggled with this after the death of Ignatius. But it is the same for each of us as individuals. We have learnt much. But have we internalised, owned it, so well that we can “be true” even when the going gets tough and the heat is turned up. That is when people waver and become “Christians in name only.”

Prayer. Lord, keep us true to your name. But not to your name only but to all that your name really stands for. Amen.

David Harold-Barry SJ