The Gospel appointed for this Sunday (John 16:23-33) is from Jesus' Farewell Discourses on Thursday night before His crucifixion, and it is especially appropriate for the Sunday before the Ascension. The theme is in the words, "Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (16:33b). This is a bold claim and has been misunderstood by some. Using Christ's name in Christian prayer is an ancient and laudable practice, but the real meaning goes beyond certain liturgical formulae. We truly pray in Christ's name when we approach the Father in Christlike humility. Such prayer includes the attitude of Christ in Gethsemane: "nevertheless not what I will but what thou wilt" (Mark 14:36b). What the Father gives us is through our participation in Christ and in accord with His great purposes of redemption. When we pray in that spirit, God is doing greater things for us than we, in our human limitations, can comprehend.
The Sixth Sunday of Easter was traditionally called Rogation Sunday (from a Latin word for prayer), and our Gospel was applied in a special way to encourage processions and litanies for good planting and crops. At the time of the 16th-century Reformation, practices were simplified, but Rogation Sunday continued as an occasion of prayers for agriculture. Although many modern people are far removed from the agricultural way of life, it is good for us to continue to be aware of and pray for the natural cycle that sustains earthly life. Furthermore, as we approach Ascension Day, it is appropriate that we be more aware of Christ as our heavenly Intercessor; it is in His name and spirit that we are to offer up all our prayers.
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