Jesus is preparing to depart. He tells them, "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you."
It is difficult to say good-bye to family and friends when they have come for a long visit and have to depart for their own homes. It is even more difficult when someone dies and we long and yearn for one more touch, one more word. It is these combined that Jesus prepares us. We should not despair not become despondent though, for the Father will send us the Advocate in Christ Jesus' name. It is the same Advocate whom the Father sent at Christ's baptism to help him in his ministry and prepare for his death and Resurrection into glory: It is the third person in our Triune God, the Holy Spirit.
It is suggested that we rejoice for Christ as he returns to his home in heaven and paves the way for us to follow. We should not live in this world, but be always ready for the next. Our greatest joys and triumphs here in this world are pale in comparison as to what will come, and although they are joyful, it their shadow form, dont' they resemble suffering when compared to the joy of heaven? We have much to look forward to. We have much to prepare for.
In working with Confirmanti we asked them to reflect on what comes next for them after they receive their Sacrament of Confirmation. They were uncertain and thought they may a little lost. They are where the Apostles were as Jesus was preparing to depart. However, they are hopeful because they know the Spirit will descend upon them and direct them as it does all of us to continue to share the Good News.
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