Mission Completed

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJ
Faithful Service
Reflection Date: June 3, 2025 Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
Daily Readings: Acts 20: 17-27; John 17: 1-11

Paul, in the first reading, recounts his faithful ministry marked by perseverance, sacrifice, and humility.

In his farewell discourse to the elders of Ephesus, he reflects on a ministry characterized by boldness and unwavering obedience to God’s will. He knows that tribulations await him, yet, driven by the desire to complete his race with joy, he marches forward to Jerusalem. This reveals his deep trust and surrender to God. He boldly declares that he is innocent of the blood of all because he has been faithful to God’s direction until the end.

We, too, are called to serve with courage and perseverance, even when the road is difficult. Let us live with purpose, rooted in a sincere relationship with God, and pass on the faith united in love.

The Gospel passage is part of Jesus’ intimate prayer to the Father before His crucifixion.

Jesus speaks of eternal life as knowing the Father in a deep, personal relationship. In this profound prayer, He teaches that faith is not merely the observance of rules and rituals, but an intense and intimate communion with the Trinity. Jesus affirms that He has completed the work entrusted to Him by the Father.

We are likewise called to remain faithful to the mission given to us. Jesus also prays for His disciples, asking that they may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is the heart of Christian witness. We are called to strengthen this divine communion through love, truth, and unity.

Call to Action:

• Plunge into the mission of fostering unity among all, as Jesus prayed.
• Both Paul and Jesus stand as models of self-giving love. What is your response to this self-giving love?