Jesus is praying to God in this text for those he will soon leave behind. He realizes that his time is coming to an end here, but only physically. To say he was leaving a legacy would be tremendously short of the mark. While he would no longer be present in body, his presence would be known and experienced through others for thousands of years... and will be, even to eternity. We carry that presence in us today. Whenever we give of ourselves sacrificially, and whenever we love unconditionally, we are sharing that which Jesus taught-- we're sharing even Jesus himself. Give thanks today for those who sacrificed everything that you and I might have freedom. Give thanks for the life you know because of them.
Readings: 2 Samuel 13:1-39; John 17:1-26; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 16:6-7
