Date: Sunday, June 02, 2019
I tell people: “They are in my thoughts and prayers.” People promise to pray for me. We are following the example of Jesus. Jesus at the Last Supper, in the Gospel according to John, prays to his Holy Father for his disciples and for those who will come to believe in him through their word. Us! Jesus prays that we all may be one; that we will know the Father’s love; and that we will see God’s glory in Christ.
“May all be one” seems impossible in a world full of division, discord and hatred. But there are moments of unity and solidarity. We are united with the grieving community in Virginia Beach reeling from another mass shooting. Our hearts and prayers go out to them. Yesterday Bishop Malone ordained eight men to the priesthood. I cannot remember seeing so many people together in St. Joseph Cathedral. There was a palpable sense of unity and joy. Today, here at the Sunday 5 PM Mass, we are remembering the closing of our school five years ago and celebrating the solidarity of students, families and faculty.
Jesus prays not only for his disciples but for all whose understanding of God would depend on the witness of his first followers. God’s glory is revealed in us as we emulate the disciples by witnessing to the Gospel of God’s mercy and love that we have received and by sharing our faith others. United, we pray: “Amen. Come Lord Jesus. Amen.”