John 17:24-26, Love

24 “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

We call the church in its final glory the “church triumphant” and the church on its pilgrim way on earth the “church militant.” In this final prayer, Jesus holds the two together. Before his times runs out, Jesus looks toward a glorious future where he will embrace his church, his bride, those whom the Father has given the Son for eternity. And he asks the Father to sustain them to the end with divine love, knowing that the times ahead will include intense suffering, apparent setbacks, and strained relationships.

Jesus prays for the completion of his mission that will find its conclusion at his second coming. He will return one day in glory, a glory he will share with his bride.

Father, sustain me today with your love and give me a vision of the coming of my Lord. Amen.