“I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.”  John 17:4

In the gospel reading today, Jesus is preparing himself and his disciples for his imminent death.  But rather than seeing his death as a catastrophic loss to his disciples, Jesus sees his death as a new way of being with those who are still in the world. Therefore his words are not pleading or desperate.  Instead they are focused on his relationship to the Father and the mission that they share.

In the face of death, most prayers express regret for missed opportunities, regret for wrong doings, or apprehension at what darkness lies ahead.  Jesus instead proclaims the completion of his life mission - to glorify the Father by doing everything that He asked.

We see the same dynamic in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles as Paul gives his farewell speech to his followers in Ephesus.  Paul emphasizes that in his preaching he “did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God.”  Paul was ready and willing to face his martyrdom.

If our death was at hand, what would our reaction be?  Would our last moments on earth be full of sorrows and regrets?  Or could we say, as Paul did, “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

May we follow Jesus faithfully to fulfill our mission - a mission given to us in Baptism and a mission that we are reminded of each time we are dismissed for Mass: “Go, glorifying God by your life.”

Blessings, 

Deacon Jack

St. Clare of Assisi, Houston TX