Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope. — Psalm 16:1

Mass readings: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 / John 17:20-26

We Are a Gift

In today’s Gospel Jesus prays for all of us and for our unity in Him so that the world may believe that God the Father has sent Him. In this same prayer Jesus calls us the Father’s gift to Him and promises to make the Father’s name known so that the love He shares with the Father and His very Self would be in us.

Isn’t it incredible that Jesus calls us His “gift”! His “problem”? No! His “assignment”? No! I’d say, His “burden” or His “headache”! Instead, despite our sins, stumbling, quirks, issues, inadequacies and fears, Jesus cherishes us so much that He calls us His “gift.” Let’s remember that each child of God is Jesus’ own unique gift, in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, “wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14).

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for cherishing us enough to call us a “gift.”