We have reached the point in the Farewell Discourse where we hear Jesus in prayer with the Father. We are privileged to experience the intimacy that exists between Jesus and the Father through these words. It is sometimes referred to as the High Priestly Prayer. However, I find it much more meaningful to simply consider it a touching moment in which Jesus allows us to participate in the love that the Father has for him and that he has for the Father.
First Jesus speaks of the interchange that has taken place between them. Jesus has acted to bring glory to the Father. Now the Father will shower glory on the Son. Taking place as it does before the Passion and Death of Jesus, we see the deft hand of the evangelist reminding us that rather than the triumph of evil over Jesus, the passion and his resultant death are all part of God’s plan.
Jesus’ prayer then turns toward his relationship with his disciples. I always find it quite amazing that Jesus prays for those who come after him. As has been the case throughout his life and ministry, he did not come to be served but to serve. Here we see the power of that service at work. Facing the most horrible death imaginable, Jesus pushes that aside. “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me. . .” Jesus’ prayer is a powerful reminder that we are to continue to intercede for others just as he continues to do for us.
I am reminded here that the way that we conquer our own fears and difficulties is by praying for and comfort others. A recent example of this was the way in which Cardinal Bernardine dealt with his own cancer. After he had been told that cancer would claim his life, he spent his last days praying with and comforting other cancer patients. I am sure that he found the motivation for this in the prayer of Jesus on the night before he died.
No matter what difficulties we may face, Jesus is present with us and continues to pray for us. That knowledge cannot help but build up hope in our future destiny of life with God.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator