Scripture Scribbles: May 12, 2024

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 one.

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.”

“Keep them in your name…that they may be one…I guarded them, and none of them was lost.”

One of my greatest fears is that my sons will never come to fully embrace their faith, despite my

best efforts (“I gave them your word.”) My oldest causes me the most anguish. His belief in God

is sketchy, and he struggles to make a strong connection to Jesus and the Catholic Church.

“What about when you die?” I questioned. “I’ll worry about it then,” he responded indifferently.

“Joe, our whole life is supposed to be preparing for eternity.” My comment was met only with

his blank stare. Immediately, I had to schedule Fr. Andrew’s visit to enthrone our home to the

Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, including a Mass and holy water

blessings of all the rooms. Clearly, our Lord’s presence in our home would have a powerful

impact.

What more could I do?

During this past week’s sermon, the priest encouraged us to persevere in praying for our

wayward children. A tear dropped from my eye when he added, “their conversion may not

happen in your lifetime.” How can I wait that long for them to “share my joy completely?!”

I unite my prayer with Jesus and implore God “keep them from the evil one.” Trust and

surrender. “I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Hope in him, hold

firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14

Today’s devotion was written by Karen Molvar

Scripture Scribbles: May 19, 2024