“I do not ask that you take them out of the worldj but that you keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:15)
Saint Augustine of Hippo offers the following insight on this verse from today’s Gospel:
““I pray not,” he adds, “that you should take them out of the world but that you should keep them from the evil.” For they still thought it was necessary to be in the world, although they were no longer of it. Then he repeats the same statement: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth.” For they are kept from the evil, as he had previously prayed that they might be. But it may be inquired how they were no longer of the world if they were not yet sanctified in the truth. Or, if they already were, why does he request that they should be sanctified? Isn’t it because even those who are sanctified still continue to make progress in the same sanctification and grow in holiness? And they do not do so without the aid of God’s grace but by his sanctifying of their progress, even as he sanctified them at the outset [of their sanctification].” (Tractates on the Gospel of John, 108)
Easter Collect
Graciously grant to Your Church, O merciful God,
that, gathered by the Holy Spirit,
She may be devoted to You with all Her heart
and united in purity of intent.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
that, gathered by the Holy Spirit,
She may be devoted to You with all Her heart
and united in purity of intent.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord is risen! Alleluia!
He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
