“On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God.”
Jesus says two things that seem discrepant: “whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you” and “on that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you.” Asking anything in the Father’s name and in Jesus’ name are not two separate acts but one. Jesus confirms this in his words and in the Ascension as he is “leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
Jesus is able to say that he will no longer speak in figures but tell the disciples clearly about the Father because he will send the Advocate, who will reveal all truth. God, help me understand that same Jesus who sits at your right hand became human to save us from the consequences of human wretchedness.
There are so many distractions in a day that it would be enough for me to ask Jesus to help me remember to ask anything in his name. At all times, he wants to be present throughout the day; it is only a matter of my asking him to join me and stay with me.
Today in confidence I ask that I remain firm in my belief in Jesus. “For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God.” Let me come to believe in those moments when I hesitate to put God first instead of on the shelf.