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tively continue His mission on
earth.
At the end of the prayer, Jesus
makes a remarkable statement.
He tells God that He “consecrates myself for them, so that they also may be con-
secrated in truth.” Jesus is dedicating Himself,
now and forever
, to his children.
That includes the disciples, and it also includes us. Jesus wants us to know that
His life is dedicated to us, exactly as a devoted father dedicates his life to his
children. Our well-being is His primary aim.
Jesus consecrates Himself for us so that we may be consecrated in truth. We
become sacred people, despite the failings of our humanity. Perhaps this is the
ultimate protection Jesus sought for us – if we realize that we are sacred, for-
given by God for our shortcomings, we are free to overcome hate and embrace
the world with love.
P
RAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for
consecrating Your Son to us, and al-
lowing us to share in His joy. Help us
to behave as a sacred people, walking
in truth, and always looking to over-
come fear and hate with love. Amen.
_______
D
AMON
F
ELDMETH
Parishioner
Image:
This painting is Diego Velazquez’
Christ Crucified
.
Velazquez is one of my favorite artists. My family
and I saw this painting in person at the Prado mu-
seum in Madrid, Spain. A copy of the painting is
hanging in the hallway of the Mater Dolorosa
Monastery in Sierra Madre, where I have attended
weekend retreats. This painting reminds me of
how Jesus consecrated Himself for us by dying on
the cross, an act of selfless love.