Today's first reading records for us the last few hours before Paul's decisive journey. The night after the Roman commander had to intervene to rescue Paul from an angry crowd, the Risen Lord appeared to Paul and told him that he would have to go on a long journey to bear witness to him in Rome. The next day the commander had to intervene again to save Paul. Probably with a feeling of relief he packed Paul off to Caesarea. From Caesarea Paul would be sent on to Rome where he was surprisingly well received. The reception contrasted strongly with the trials Paul experienced on the way. The move to Rome was decisive because of the city's great political importanceand the message of Christ that Paul brought had found yet another opening to the world.

In the Gospel we hear the final words of the Last Supper prayer of Jesus. Finishing his prayer he set out on a journey which would lead him to the Garden, to a civil court, a religious court, to Calvary and finally to his heavenly home. In the strength of that journey and encouraged by that prayer Paul and thousands upon thousands of Christians have borne Christ to the world.

Jesus prayed that all who believed in Him might share in the unity He shared with His Father.