The two Readings of today are farewells, one a speech and the other a prayer.

Paul addresses the elders at Ephesus, telling them to be watchful. He warns them of dangers and persecutions after his departure. The Holy Spirit has put them in charge of the Church which had been bought with Christ's blood and which he, Paul, had fought, against great odds, to build up. His intensely practical approach to Christian life, supporting himself with the work of his hands, and believing confidently in the hand of God in everything, was what his followers were to imitate. The sacrifices expected of them would not be easy, but he commended them to God whose grace would be theirs in their work.

As Jesus turns to face His cross, he prepares His disciples for future events. He concludes his discourse to them by offering for them His incomparable prayer of self-consecration. To strengthen them, He consecrates Himself, i.e. dedicates Himself as a sacrifice, so that they may receive the dedication and sanctification needed to carry on His mission. He makes clear that while He entrusts them and their work to the protection of God, they are not to withdraw from the struggle against the forces of evil. They are to conquer the world for Christ and to continue His work. Did not Jesus pray that God keep them in the truth, the truth of His name, "so that they may be one like us"? (v.11).