In the First Reading for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, after Jesus ascends into heaven, it is written of the apostles:

When they entered the city
they went to the upper room where they were staying,
Peter and John and James and Andrew,
Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew,
James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot,
and Judas son of James.
All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer,
together with some women,
and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. – Acts 1:13-14

Envision yourself in the upper room with those who are close to you. You’ve just witnessed Jesus ascending into heaven, and have experienced the living word of God, individually and collectively. What is in your heart and on your mind, and what is your prayer regarding it?

The response for the Psalm is, “I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13).

The verses of the Psalm for this Sunday, begin with:

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The Lord is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1

Take some time to consider, one by one, anything that has been on your mind and makes you feel concerned, anxious, afraid, or troubled. Imagine yourself bringing each thing that comes to mind to the Lord and, as you do, picture the Lord gently receiving each care and taking it from you, as you say:

“I have seen the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Allow yourself to be present to whatever thoughts and feelings arise. Converse with the Lord about them and listen to the Lord to get a deeper sense of the message or sentiment that is awaiting you amid your earthly cares.

In the verses of the Second Reading it is written:

But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ,
so that when his glory is revealed
you may also rejoice exultantly.
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you,
for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
But let no one among you be made to suffer
as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as an intriguer.
But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed
but glorify God because of the name. – 1 Peter 4:13-16

What phrase or part of these verses sticks out to you most, as if jumping off the page?

In the verse that comes before the ones in the Second Reading, it is written:

Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. – 1 Peter 4:12

What comes to mind as you consider both what stood out to you in verses 13-16 and this verse? What would you like to say to the Lord about it? What do imagine the Lord wants to say to you in reply?

In the Gospel passage, it is written:

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said,
“Father, the hour has come.
Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you,
just as you gave him authority over all people,
so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him.
Now this is eternal life,
that they should know you, the only true God,
and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
I glorified you on earth
by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.
Now glorify me, Father, with you,
with the glory that I had with you before the world began.
“I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world.
They belonged to you, and you gave them to me,
and they have kept your word.
Now they know that everything you gave me is from you,
because the words you gave to me I have given to them,
and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you,
and they have believed that you sent me.
I pray for them.
I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me,
because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours
and everything of yours is mine,
and I have been glorified in them.
And now I will no longer be in the world,
but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.” – John 17:1-11a

What happens when you reflect on Jesus giving glory and honor to God by his love, prayers, devotion, and dedication to the well-being of those placed in his care?

Jesus says in the verses above, “I pray for them.” How might his prayer be applied to today’s world? And how do you desire to be devoted “with one accord” (united with others) thru that prayer?