Send Off

May 15, Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Memorial of Saint Isidore
Daily Readings: Acts 20:28-38; John 17:11b-19

The theme of today's readings is "send-off." In the first reading, Paul bid farewell to the elders of the Ephesians, where he stayed for three years. He warned them to be on their guard for themselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made them the guardians, to feed the Church of God, which he bought with the blood of his own Son.

In today's Gospel, Jesus entrusted his disciples to his Father in heaven. He said, “Holy Father, keep those you have given me true to your name, so that they may be one like us.” He also asks his Father to consecrate them to the truth, for His word is truth.

The send-off is an occasion where people can express good wishes and say goodbye to someone leaving a place. The reading reveals that before leaving a certain place, Paul gave all the necessary instructions to the disciples, reminding them to continue the mission of Jesus and to be ready for all the challenges that might come along the way. In the same way,  Jesus in the Gospel, before leaving the world, entrusted the disciples to the care of his Father, with the main purpose also being to continue his mission on earth.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: Sending off signifies embracing new opportunities in life. Leaving a place or the people whom you learn to love makes your heart saddened, but knowing that you are doing it for a purpose, the heart rejoices in looking forward to other adventures that await and in doing the mission of God.   

Lord, help us to be open to any possibilities in life that come our way. Amen.