Pastor’s Reflections

Farewells not for the Faint-hearted

I had an aunt in Iowa who wept at every goodbye. As a kid, I thought it was strange. We’d run from her.  I asked her about it at the end of one summer visit.  Why?  She said you might die before the next time I see you.  “So this could be the last time I ever lay eyes on you.  I want to be prepared.” She went to funerals a lot.  I think she liked the energy and free food.

Final goodbyes bring deep old feelings. “Despedida,” is the classic farewell party tries to bring merriment from the parting; good final memories to cherish. This weekend’s Gospel is about saying goodbye well.  This is not easy for most human beings according to most psychologists.  We pay $100 an hour to get directions on how to say good-bye to many things.  Jesus was good at it. It did not take the pain out of it, but he was complete with it.  Goodbye is not about departure (negative).  It’s about presence. In the Last discourse of John’s Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples he loves about the ways that he will remain with them. ANYONE WHO LOVES THE SON AND IS TRUE TO HIS WORD   (Not perfection…just fidelity, hanging –in when you’d rather go bowling.) WILL BE LOVED BY THE FATHER. And the two of them would pitch their tent permanently in the midst of their) lives.

The Book of Revelations tells us this new presence has no limits and needs no temple. It will not even need lights or electricity. Imagine?  The glory of God will give it light and its energy will be the lamb… this group will gleam with the very splendor of God.

It would be difficult for the disciples to get used to living without the flesh and blood presence of Jesus, just like it is for anybody getting used to the death of a loved one. But Jesus also promised to send something else… “a paraclete,” rather another Paraclete.  More on that in the coming Pentecost weeks.

Jesus prepared his followers for his departure by promising them peace, guidance by that “paraclete” Holy Spirit, and the certainty of his eventual return. Carrying on in his absence was not easy. It still isn’t.  Faith in him did not eliminate the need for the new church to make assignments, resolve issues or deal with conflict caused by new teachings.  But they knew they were responsible for keeping his vision alive.  They discerned, accommodated, made judgments, and acted on the strength of their deep faith.  Just as we must continue to do; At home, in Rome’ St. Peters and in down town Phoenix.

Spiritual directors and mentors often guide us through those lonely transition times. My I recommend one to you for prayer.  Rev Scott Haasarud, a local Lutheran pastor, spiritual director, Jungian therapist and great mentor,  died this past week. We wish our condolences to his wife Jeanette and family.

A gentle week,
Fr. Michael Weldon, OFM