What binds together the Apostles, women and other disciples after the ascension of Jesus? It would be their respective relationship with Jesus, their common identification as a group formed by Jesus, the prayer of Jesus for them as He prayed for them in today’s Gospel, and their upcoming suffering in bearing the name of Christ. How do I feel when I pray about this union of minds and hearts of the early disciples? I feel greatly consoled that Jesus prays for me in heaven before the Father. It is the Father Who has given me to Jesus, because I rightly belong to the Father, Who is merciful and compassionate. Even though Jesus has been taken up to heaven and is no longer in the world, He prays for those in the world who bear His name, especially those in suffering. I feel greatly comforted in the loving embrace of Jesus and the Father, even though I may be separated in the world, apart from the Trinity.

This contemplation gives me courage to stand up and be a better witness to Christ in a world that is hedonistic and, at times, hostile to God. St Peter encourages me in his letter to be glad because a much greater gladness will come when God’s glory is revealed; and it’s a blessing when people insult me for bearing the name of Christ, because it means that I have the Spirit of glory resting on me.