The Lord has set his throne in heaven.--Psalm 103:19
Mass readings: Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26 / 1 John 4:11-16 / John 17:11-19
I am struck by two details in today's Gospel. First, Jesus repeats the same statement twice, word for word, affirming that His followers ''do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.'' Dividing this rhythmic repeat, He prays to the Father in words echoing the Lord's Prayer, ''keep them from the evil one.'' Not abstract evil, but literally, the devil.
If we believe in good, we recognize that evil is real. Aware of this reality, St. Ignatius of Loyola likened the devil's cleverness to the prowess of an astute general exploiting every worldly opportunity to tempt us away from God. Anger. Resentment. Negative attitude. Jealousy. Despair. They all become his tools leading into darkness. But we belong to Jesus, who is our Light, our Way.
Prayer: Jesus, give me the courage to remain in Your love.