Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth. — Psalm 68:33

Mass readings: Acts 20:17-27 / John 17:1-11 

Going to Jerusalem 

Going to Jerusalem, as St. Paul prepares to do in today’s first reading, can serve as a metaphor for every scary task I’ve wanted to avoid but couldn’t. As a writer, the example that comes most readily to mind is the moment when I finally have to put fingers to keyboard and produce a text. Research time is over and there, at the end of the road and growing larger by the minute, is the deadline. St. Paul feared imprisonment and hardships. I fear blankness or, worse, making a complete fool of myself. 

What allows me to “go to Jerusalem” despite my fears? Like St. Paul, I believe God wants me to do this, that He equipped me to do this, and that He will help me to finish the course He has set. 

Prayer: God, I am where You put me. I trust in Your help.