Father, since you have given them to me, I want them to be with me where I am, and see the glory you gave me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.
     Righteous Father, the world has not known you, but I have known you, and these have known that you have sent me. As I revealed your name to them, so will I continue to reveal it, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I also may be in them.”

REFLECTION:
     We almost always welcome prayers made in our behalf. It gives us a sense of being special and cared for when someone prays for us. More so if the person who does it is someone we esteem and look up to. Today’s gospel speaks of Jesus praying in behalf of His believers. He cares deeply for them as evidenced by His prayerful petitions to the Father. Being with them is not enough for Him. He has to ask the Father for a special boon to those He claims as His own.
      Perhaps we can learn a page or two at how Jesus treats His people. He looks at them as friends, worthy of His time, worthy of His trust. And He cares passionately for their welfare. He thinks of them even if they are not around. No wonder He was able to form a bond so deep that not even hunger, famine or the sword could separate them from His love.