Thought for the week:​​

Acts 1 6-14; John 17.1-11

Before his death and resurrection Jesus prayed to the Father about what was soon to happen to him. He prayed aloud so the disciples could hear, and we could perhaps call it a prayer of consecration because Jesus was dedicating himself to God. He was concerned for the glory of God, for his final righteous deeds, and for his disciples.

He then prays for his followers, that they may know the Father and be kept in his name.

Only over time does everything that is happening become clear to them and only in stages.

After the Cross and resurrection, following Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, the disciples are looking upwards, wondering what comes next. Jesus didn’t give them a timetable or a plan. Instead he gave them a promise. The Holy Spirit will come and they will be his witnesses. So they return to their lives, not with answers, but with obedience, meeting together in prayer, waiting with trust.

Together these readings remind us that we do not always know what is coming next. Yet we are called to be faithful where we are, rooted in prayer, held by Christ, and open to the Spirit. MM