*Thursday 16th May 2024 Daily Reflection and Meditation*
"That the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them."
*Good morning!*
_Happy Holiday to the people of South Sudan and congratulations too for having gotten a resident nuncio-elect, the first in history._
The day dawns on you when you are able to see the person standing next to you and tell: _"He is my brother; He is my sister."_ That universal brotherhood /sisterhood needs to be visualised, dreamt for. And this is Jesus' prayer.
Let us attempt to see the other as a gift given to us. Sometimes this gift comes to our lives in a manner we do not expect or even think about.
_God of heaven and earth, may we look up to you and find sense for our lives here on earth. Amen_
*Have a blessed day*
THURSDAY AFTER THE SUNDAY OF THE ASCENSION YEAR B 2024
*Witnessing Through Love in Oneness:That they maybe one, just as we are one.*
_“I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” John 17:20–21_
*Readings: Acts 22:30, 23:6-11. John 17:20-26:*
In Acts, we witness the unwavering faith and courage of Paul as he faces the Sanhedrin. Despite being persecuted and falsely accused, Paul stands firm in his conviction, proclaiming the truth of Christ's resurrection. This reminds us of the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, even in the face of adversity.
Turning to the Gospel of John, we are presented with Jesus' heartfelt prayer for unity among believers. Jesus prays not only for his disciples but for all who would come to believe in him through their message. This prayer underscores the fundamental truth that we are all interconnected in the body of Christ, called to love and support one another despite our differences.
We are reminded of the significance of unity within the body of Christ. Just as Paul remained steadfast in his faith and Jesus prayed for the unity of believers, so too are we called to stand together in love and fellowship. In a world that often seeks to divide us, let us strive to be agents of unity, extending grace and compassion to all.
Let us pray for the courage to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition. May we embody the unity that Jesus prayed for, embracing our brothers and sisters in Christ with love and humility. And may the Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to live out our calling as followers of Christ, bringing light and hope to a world in need. Amen.
*Have a blessed day and happy holidays for the people of South Sudan*
_Rev Fr Francis Wambua, SJ_
*Jesuits in South Sudan*