Now I leave the world to go to the Father.
We suffer great loss when loved ones depart. It may be that they die, be it suddenly when we feel that they have been ripped from us or may be a long lingering demise where the end is seen as a blessed release, or we can feel the same loss when they move far distances or emigrate. The effect may not be so great in these days of social media and skype but nevertheless the loss is tangible.
We might not be able to see how the future could be any better. It could only get worse, things could never be so good, but inevitably we cope; sometimes thrive, often discover new opportunities and friendships.
Loss does not mean the end.
And so it is with Jesus. The disciples must have been stunned by the impending loss. They had lost Jesus once and now he was going so quickly after his death and resurrection. The future would be unbearable, how could they cope?
But the ironic answer is that with Jesus, however much he inspired them and prayed for them, they remain the instruments of God, but as individuals. With Jesus’ ascension into heaven they are transformed, as we will hear next week in the account of Pentecost, by the Holy Spirit into people of faith, people of understanding, people of baptism who are transformed into becoming the brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus.
So as we wait with eager anticipation for the Ascension let’s reflect on how deep our love for Christ is so that those moments where we encounter loss we can be consoled by the love of God.
Gospel John 16:23-28 ©
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘I tell you most solemnly,
anything you ask for from the Father he will grant in my name.
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.
Ask and you will receive, and so your joy will be complete.
I have been telling you all this in metaphors,
the hour is coming when I shall no longer speak to you in metaphors;
but tell you about the Father in plain words.
When that day comes you will ask in my name;
and I do not say that I shall pray to the Father for you,
because the Father himself loves you for loving me
and believing that I came from God.
I came from the Father and have come into the world
and now I leave the world to go to the Father.’