In our gospel reading today, Jesus is praying for his disciples. We find that he is broadening the meaning and scope of the title disciple. It not only included those who surrounded him at that moment, and the many who believed in him but it appears to refer to all those who are beyond the Jews. The passage seems to refer to all believers of that time and the future. In other words, even us.

He prays for our protection from the evil one. That we can all appreciate. He also says that he is sending them as the Father sent him. A little closer to home, Christ is implying that we, you and me, are sent out to do the same things as Jesus. We are being sent to teach others about Christ and what he did and about true worship of the Father. You are sent.

Your first thought is that you are not int…