5/19/2026 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reading: John 17:1-11A

1 These things Jesus spoke, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said: Father, the hour has come, glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.
2 As you have given him power over all flesh, that he may give eternal life to all whom you have given him.
3 Now this is eternal life: That they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
4 I have glorified you on the earth; I have finished the work which you gave me to do.
5 And now glorify me, O Father, with yourself, with the glory which I had, before the world was, with you.
6 I have manifested your name to the men whom you have given me out of the world. Yours they were, and to me you gave them; and they have kept your word.
7 Now they have known, that all things which you have given me, are from you.
8 Because the words which you gave me, I have given to them; and they have received them, and have known in very deed that I came out from you, and they have believed that you did send me.
9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them whom you have given me: because they are yours.
10 And all my things are yours, and yours are mine; and I am glorified in them.
11A And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.

5/19/2026 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / sermon / homily: John 17:1-11A

In this Gospel passage, Jesus lifts His eyes to heaven and prays to the Father before facing His suffering and death. He speaks about completing the mission entrusted to Him and asks that His followers may remain united and protected. This moment reveals not only the deep relationship between the Father and the Son, but also the immense love Jesus has for those who believe in Him. Even before His sacrifice, His concern is centered on the people He came to save.

This Gospel reminds us that true greatness is found in fulfilling God’s purpose with faithfulness and love. Many people today spend their lives chasing recognition, wealth, or temporary success, yet still feel empty inside. Jesus shows us another path, that is, the path of obedience, humility, and complete trust in God. He teaches that life gains meaning when it is lived not only for oneself, but also for others and for the glory of God.

Jesus also prays for unity among His disciples. In a world filled with division, anger, competition, and misunderstanding, this message becomes even more important. Families are broken by pride, friendships are destroyed by selfishness, and communities are wounded by hatred and judgment. Yet Christ calls His people to become instruments of peace and reconciliation. Unity does not mean that everyone will always agree, but it means choosing love over division and understanding over resentment.

Another powerful message from this Gospel is the importance of perseverance in one’s mission. Jesus knew that suffering awaited Him, yet He continued forward with courage and trust. Life today is also full of struggles. Some people carry burdens silently including financial problems, disappointments, sickness, anxiety, loneliness, or uncertainty about the future. There are moments when giving up seems easier than continuing the journey. But Jesus reminds us that every challenge can become meaningful when offered with faith and love.

This prayer of Jesus also reveals the beauty of being known personally by God. We are not forgotten or abandoned. God knows our fears, weaknesses, hopes, and dreams. Even when the world misunderstands us, God continues to guide and protect us. His love is not based on success, popularity, or perfection. He loves us even in our brokenness and patiently calls us to become better each day.

For the world today, this Gospel is a reminder that humanity needs more than technology, power, or material progress. The world needs spiritual renewal. It needs people who live with compassion, integrity, humility, and faith. Lasting peace will never come from hatred or selfish ambition, but from hearts transformed by God’s love.

As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to ask ourselves: Are we living according to God’s purpose? Are we helping build unity or creating division? Are we allowing God’s love to guide our decisions and relationships?

Jesus prayed not only for His disciples long ago, but also for every person who would continue believing through the generations. That includes us today. His prayer continues to echo through every troubled heart, reminding us that we are loved, guided, and never alone.

Go here to read further Gospel reflection.