Word to the Wise
Sunday, May 26, 2019 - 6th Sunday of Easter - C
[Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Rev 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14:23-29]"Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe." [John]
The Last Supper discourses could be seen as one long preparation talk for the disciples to get them ready for what would happen after supper! But, it was arranged by the evangelist to meet the needs, also, of the community for whom the gospel was composed. The disciples were naturally disturbed by some of Jesus' statements about going away, much like a child worrying when a parent goes on a trip or even to a daily job! Fear of abandonment can be strong!
Perhaps we who live now need assurance that the Advocate is really with us and that Jesus does continually dwell within the hearts of those who believe. We will soon celebrate the event of Pentecost as a special reminder of this reality of faith. But until then, Jesus speaks not just to those at table with him in the Upper Room, but to those of us who gather at table with him now. Our hearts need not be troubled or afraid, but, like children we may not be able to help but feel that fear of abandonment from time to time. The parent may have to reassure the child every day. We can come to the words of Jesus in the gospel for that same reassurance every day. AMEN