Lifting up his eyes to Heaven, Jesus Prayed

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : Seventh Week - Thursday*

*Lifting up his eyes to Heaven, Jesus Prayed*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 17:20-26*

*FIRST READING - Acts 22:30; 23:6-11*

*1) The Prayer of Jesus*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the prayer of Jesus 

There are many things which are highlighted in Jesus' Prayer. 

Among them today we are going to focus one important aspect of Jesus' prayer. That is the way Jesus prayed. 

*2) Jesus lifted His eyes to Heaven*

The Gospel begins with the posture, in which Jesus prayed. 

It begins in this way *Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed*

Here Jesus lifting his eyes to Heaven and praying becomes very important thing. 

So there is something special in the act of Lifting the eyes to Heaven and praying. 

So what would be the meaning of lifting ones eyes to heaven and praying? 

*3) Various meanings of lifting ones eyes to heaven and praying*

*A) Focus on Heavenly Things*

Lifting ones eyes to Heaven means wanting to see heavenly things 

Since in Heaven all good things are there, by seeing to heaven, one is able to see, holy things and able to pray better

*B) God is in Heaven*

We believe God is in Heaven. So by lifting ones eyes to heaven means, seeing God and praying, which will help the person to pray better

*C) Direction of Ones prayer*

This gesture of prayer also shows that the prayers are directed to God. It is very important that our prayers should be addressed to God, in order to receive the fruit of the prayers 

*D) By lifting ones eyes to heaven, whole being is lifted towards heaven*

The moment we see the heaven and and start to pray, our whole being is lifted towards heaven. 

Not only our eyes, but our heart, mind, spirit and Whole being is lifted towards heaven, and this helps us to pray better 

*4) Need of lifting ones eyes to Heaven and Praying*

Since we are in the world, our focus is on the Worldly things

As long as we focus on Worldly things, we are not able to pray, because we will be distracted and disturbed with worldly things 

So it is necessary to see heavenly things while praying. This will happen only when we look at heavenly by lifting our eyes to heaven 

*5) Where is my gaze while praying*

All of us pray, and we need to pray 

Its not enough that we pray, but our prayers should be effective and fruitful. 

This will happen only when we have right focus while we pray. 

Seeing heavenly things and praying will help us to have deep meditation on the Heavenly things, which will help us to have God experience in life 

If So, am I ready to, lift my eyes to heaven and pray?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*