Jesus prays that God sanctifies his disciples in the truth. So what does it mean to be sanctified? To be made holy.

Sanctification isn’t a common word; nor is it one many of us even like to use. And not because it is bad. I just don’t think we’re totally comfortable with what it means or implies. And to be totally honest, we aren’t comfortable when other people use the word, either.

I’m willing to bet that our trepidation has something to do with the idea of human holiness. That we aren’t comfortable with the idea of being holy. Even if it is God’s doing.

Jesus’s prayer is that we be sanctified in the truth, which is God’s word. In a promise, blessing. To be active participants in God’s dream, in reconciliation, and redemption. In bringing Good News, justice, love, and joy to everyone. To do our work in God’s love.