Jn 13: 31-33A, 34-35
When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Pray for those who hurt us
Today’s readings from Acts (Acts 14:21-27) and the Gospel of John address the “time of many hardships.” All of us have experienced or perhaps are currently experiencing “many hardships” at home, at work, or even within ourselves. In many ways, we are not sure how to react to those hardships, especially if they are caused by friends or family.
Jesus’ reaction to Judas’ betrayal is commanding his disciples – us – to love. Jesus also commanded us in the Sermon on the Mount to pray for those who persecute us. Actually, those who persecute us sanctify us. They teach us to be humble. They break our hearts of stone.
Therefore, as a sign of gratitude for that grace of humility, we ought to pray for them. Don’t allow them to fall, for they have participated in our salvation. For, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22)
—-Peter Gadalla, SJ, is a member of the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province. He will be ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 2019, and humbly asks for your prayers for his ministry.
Prayer
Act of Love
O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because you are all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me, and I ask pardon of all whom I have injured.
—Traditional prayer
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Pray with the Pope
The Holy Father’s Monthly Prayer Intentions
Brought to you by Apostleship of Prayer the first Friday of each month.
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Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.
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