YOU’RE GOING WITHOUT ME?

Reading: John 14: 15-26

They had spent the past 3 years following this man, listening to his teachings, witnessing his miracles and his compassion for the down-and-out. They had begun to trust that he was who he said he was – the Son of God. They were content just being in his presence. In that place, they knew a love beyond knowing and a strength beyond perceiving.

As they followed their Master-Teacher, moving about their ancestors’ land, they would have been satisfied if all remained the same forever.

But then, he started rocking their world by saying things like, “I am with you a little while longer…where I am going, you cannot come (Jn 13:33),” and, “Where I go you cannot follow me now, but you shall follow later (Jn 13:36).”  Can’t you feel their angst, their fear? Can’t you sense their apprehension, as Peter speaks for all? “Lord, why can I not follow you right now (Jn 13:37)?”

In the midst of their anxiety, Jesus gives them words of comfort and hope. “I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you (Jn 14:18).” “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, that he may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of Truth (Jn 14:17).” Jesus further explains how the Spirit will function. “The Helper…will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you (Jn 14:26).”

These are great words today for us who are followers of Jesus. For, though we cannot see him, we are assured of the Holy Spirit’s presence in and with us as well, helping us to know truth and to remember Jesus’ words.  We too have the assurance that one day we will follow Jesus into eternity and be with him forever!

Thank you, Jesus, that though you had to go back to your Father without us for now, you have given us your Spirit (all we need) to help us in this world until we meet up with you –  one day soon. Amen.