First Reading: Acts (20:17–27)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 68)
Response: You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.
Alleluia:
"I will ask the father and He will give you another Advocate"
Gospel: (John 17:1-11a)
Reflection
From the first reading, we see that Paul the Apostle is fulfilled because he has done what God asked him to do. He carried out his mission of preaching the Gospel faithfully and completely. He says his conscience is clear because he did not hold back from teaching the truth, guiding the people, and leading them to faith in Christ.
Paul knew suffering awaited him. He knew persecution and imprisonment were near. Yet he spoke with peace because his mission was accomplished. His life was not wasted.
This same spirit appears in his words to Timothy:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
There is something deeply beautiful about a fulfilled life. A fulfilled life is not necessarily a wealthy life, a famous life, or a comfortable life. It is a life that completes the purpose for which it was given.
Parents feel fulfilled when they see their children established in life. Teachers feel fulfilled when their students succeed. Workers feel fulfilled when they accomplish meaningful work. Fulfillment brings peace, joy, and inner satisfaction.
But as Christians, the greatest fulfillment is not earthly success alone.
The greatest fulfillment is to reach heaven.
That is why Jesus reminded the disciples not merely to rejoice because demons obeyed them, but because their names were written in heaven. Earthly achievements pass away. Titles fade. Wealth disappears. Human praise is temporary. But eternal life with God remains forever.
So today we must ask ourselves:
Are we living only for temporary fulfillment?
Or are we living in a way that leads us to eternal fulfillment with God?
May all we do on earth lead us closer to heaven. Otherwise, even years filled with success may still become wasted years.
Amen
God bless you 🙏
Pal Ronnie
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