Paul probably knew what lay ahead of him. He suspected that things would not go well for him in Jerusalem, but his conscience was clear. He gave every knowledge of the Lord's death and resurrection to the elders of the community. The Spirit of the Lord guided and guarded him and he had obeyed God - what more could he ask for? He faced the future calmly and with faith. How many of us have the courage and faith to face an uncertain future, possibly fraught with danger? If our hearts are with God, we will have the grace to do so.

As Jesus faced the imminent abandonment and persecution, He prayed to God the Father for His disciples. "Now they know that everything You have given Me is from You; for the words that You gave to Me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from You;"(v7-8). Jesus taught the disciples that the Father gave it all. Jesus gave everything that God had asked of Him, even His own life to gather them as a flock. Nothing was reserved, as He continues to do today. He made known God's name to them. In the ancient world, one's name denoted their nature. Jesus revealed God's true nature - pure light and love. In God, neither darkness nor violence rule - these are human reactions. Hence, we are to reveal to others the true nature of God, light, love and life.