There is also a specific request from Jesus in today’s Gospel reading: “I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). It is a request that affirms Step 12, which states, “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”

We are not meant to be out of his world but, rather, directly in it. We are to bring the good news to others in thought, word, and deed in our daily affairs. How does God protect us from the evil one? We have protection through sanctifying grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. And where are these found? They are found precisely where God instituted them, in the Catholic Church through the sacraments. The sacraments, especially confession and the Eucharist, protect us from the evil one by strengthening us to live in freedom from sin.

Reflection Questions  

• Are you aware of your root sins and vices? If so, how can you better cultivate their opposing virtues?
• How are you doing with your daily inventory and what, if anything, tends to get in the way of growing in your trust of and union with God?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 20:28-38
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab
Gospel: John 17:11b-19

Reflection by Stephanie N.