Jn. 14: 23-29
Departures are always painful; more so when we depart our dear ones, friends, the community that we serve, the offices where we enjoy our work, etc. Departure is a reality of our life. We have to say goodbye, one day or the other, to those we keep close to our hearts. Usually, when we depart someone the greatest worry in our heart is that whether we would meet that person again or will we have a place in his/her heart? Will he/she forget us?
Today’s gospel passage takes us to such a scene: the farewell talk of Jesus. When the disciples heard that He is leaving them and going to the Father, they became very sad. Obviously, they thought that the departure of Jesus is the end of his story as well as theirs. But For Jesus the departure was a new beginning or a new phase of His mission. He says: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me say: I am going away, and shall return.’ In fact Jesus made his departure as something joyful because it is not a moment to be sad or disappointed because his departure would be a blessing for them and in due time they would be empowered by the Spirit.
It is the Spirit who helps each one of us to live a life based on the Word of God. When we receive the Spirit, we will be able to build our life basing on the Word of God, it will be like the house that was built on the rock because our life will be blessed with the presence of the Holy Trinity. So do not be afraid to depart or say goodbye in our life because He will not leave us alone, remember that Father, Son and the Holy Spirit is with us as our fellow travelers.