It is more blessed to give than to receive

Acts 20:28-38, Jn 17:11-19. One of the benefits of work is to enable us to help people weaker than ourselves. Church leaders are there to serve the people, not exploit them and build up the community. In today’s first reading, Paul quotes as a maxim of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Despite all difficulties, we are encouraged to live joyfully, for Jesus intends us to share in His joy. Trusting in Him fits us well enough to face whatever the future may bring.

Jesus has watched over His disciples and protected them. Now His prayer on their behalf continues His loving care. His intercessory prayer is an extension of the many ways He had served them since they first began to follow Him. In a similar way, our prayer for others is an extension of our care for them; it is another form of service. In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us the value of intercessory prayer. Intercession for others has been at the heart of the Church’s prayer life since the time of Jesus.

As we renew our commitment to live our lives more faithfully to the Lord, may the Lord help us to listen to Him and obey His will at all times! Amen!! Have a glorious day!!!