Seventh Sunday of Easter: Gospel, John 17:1-11                          

John 17:1-11

There’s a marvelous focus brought to bear on Christ’s holy people during the seasons of Lent and Easter. It’s that singular focus on the work of Jesus: how and why He took it on, who it was benefitting and what comes next. Now the work of redemption is done. Jesus said as much during His enthronement on the cross: “It is finished” (John 19:30). But Jesus is not done with us. And His “with us” is for us. It is an amazing thing to realize that Jesus does His work lovingly and completely for His dear ones. And in this amazing prayer, what we have learned to call Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer,” we listen in on His words to His Father. Among them is this statement, “I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me” (John 17:9).

Jesus prayed for His own on the night before His death. And the implication here and in other places, is that that prayer continues. His death and resurrection are a completed effort. No more to do there. Nothing to add. But Jesus continues the expression of His great love for us in that now He speaks to His Father (and ours) regarding all that He has done for us and what that looks like as we step into each new day with Him.

God be praised! Jesus hasn’t finished with us yet. And never will.