Having The End in View

.Fr. Emmanuel Aghidi C.S.Sp.

Friends, the readings of today are quite emotional. In the first reading, Paul was bidding farewell to the elders of the Church in Ephesus. He tells them something really touching. He says; you know how i have served the Lord in all humility since i stepped my feet among you. I have not hidden anything good and beneficial from you even with all the persecutions that came with it." When we look at the life of Paul, we see one who stood by what he preached. He believed nothing can separate us from the love of God, not even afflictions. Paul was afflicted on all sides, he was beaten, yet he stayed firm to the gospel. The important question we can ask ourselves is "what happens when we are about to leave this world? can we say truly that we have served God in all humility among His people regardless of the persecutions?" In the gospel reading, Jesus did the same thing. His was of thanksgiving and prayer. He thanks God and prays for his disciples. Like the first reading, He says "Father, all the teaching you have given me, i have given them." Can we also say this, that we have done all what the Lord commanded us? May the Holy Spirit help us to be good bearers of the good news.