Seventh Thursday of Eastertide – Acts 23:30,23:6-11; John 17:20-26

Consider this: what would happen if you acted like the tribune, demanding to know exactly what charge the Jews were bringing against Paul? Imagine standing apart from the crowd, inviting contemporary witnesses to tell you about Christianity. Would you find yourself engulfed in confusion, as contradictory arguments, accusations, and aggression fly about until even the clearest intentions are obscured? Is there any escape in the world we know?

Every day, we face conflicting interests, arguments, and principles that claim to rescue us yet only serve to destroy, accompanied by real, tangible threats of death inflicted by one another. Can we remain calm and discern a way out?

Jesus tells Paul, “Be courageous! You have testified on my behalf in Jerusalem; now you must do the same…” He prays to the Father, “That the world may realise that you have sent me.”

If there is any road to deliverance or hope for the world, then it is found in Him.

Lord, you know all; you know that we love you.