Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter May 12, 2005 Scripture: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; John 17:20-26 Reflection: Today’s scripture goes to the very heart of the incredible news we call the Gospels: Jesus wants to be one with us—with me. His profound desire is that we share the loving union He enjoys with His Father. How could anyone dare to imagine such a tremendous gift, the fulfillment of our essential longing—to be totally one with Love Itself! But Jesus says to the Father, “They are your gift to me.” How humbling, no, how humiliating—to be identified as the Father’s gift to Jesus! We surely don’t feel like very worthy gifts, full as we are of sin, weakness and self-absorption. Yet Jesus tells the Father, “It’s just what I’ve always wanted—in fact, from all eternity!” My approach to others would certainly be more accepting and appreciative if I could keep remembering that each person is also the Father’s gift to Jesus. I could do my part to fulfill Jesus’ prayer that all of us would be one in Him. Suggested Action: Greet those with whom you live and work with a special recognition, even if only in your heart, that they are the Father’s gifts to Jesus. Sr. Margaret Gannon, IHM Scranton, Pennsylvania