Leaving Us

I had my kids over for dinner. It has never been easy getting everyone in the same place at the same time. I love it when my family is all together having a good time just chatting and catching up on what is happening in their lives — instead of getting snippets from a string of texts from them.

As everyone got to talking, my son tapped on his glass with his spoon and announced he would be moving 2,500 miles away in the not-too-distant future, which we certainly did not expect to hear. My wife and I always talked about how nice it was having our kids living nearby. Our son gave us all the details about his move eastward that evening to prepare us.

In John 14, Jesus is gathered with his disciples on the night before his Passion. He knew he would suffer, die, rise, and ascend into heaven. His mission on earth was coming to an end. Jesus prepared his closest friends for the day he would leave them at his Passover meal.

We can only imagine the sadness his disciples must have experienced when they heard about Jesus' approaching departure. They had dropped everything to follow him.

As Christians, we cannot forget our Lord prepared all of us for his departure. He made it clear to his disciples and us, through Holy Scripture, that he will not leave us orphans (John 14:18). Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity and our Advocate, to comfort and guide each of us in his physical absence. It is in the Holy Spirit that God is always near. He is given by God to help us along our sometimes winding and messy faith journey with him.

Let us call on the Holy Spirit often to draw closer to Jesus; we need the Spirit of God to direct our lives and empower us as we make our way homeward.

As far as our son goes, who is 2,500 miles away. We pray often to Jesus to keep us close, connecting our hearts through God's Spirit that unites us always.

Lord, thank you for never leaving me alone. Protect me and empower me to face my struggles and fears by faith. With your reassuring presence through the Holy Spirit, lead me each and every day. Amen.

Throughout This Day: Reflect on the effect of God in our lives in those moments when we trust the presence of the Holy Spirit at work.