As we reach the final days of this year’s Easter journey, it is appropriate that in today’s Gospel we hear almost the final words of Jesus to the disciples at the Last Supper before he is taken away from them to his Passion and death. Knowing the preciousness of these final moments he shares with them the deepest prayers of his heart – a prayer for their protection from the enemy and a prayer that they may be found worthy of eternal life. Jesus entrusts them (and us!) to his (and our!) Father’s care. Jesus wants nothing but the best for them/us, even though he knows that these trusted disciples will all betray him in different ways in the coming days, just as we too betray him in our lives. I recently saw a beautiful sign next to a confessional box, words as if spoken by Jesus to each of us – “Nothing you confess could make me love you less.” This is exactly the spirit of Jesus’ unconditional love for us in today’s Gospel.

These final days of our Easter journey are of course the days between the Ascension (which we celebrated last Thursday) and Pentecost (next Sunday). Jesus once again departs from his disciples, this time through his return to God the Father in heaven, as he entrusts his mission to the disciples and infant Church on earth. Again, at a time of parting, Jesus desires only the best for them/us, as he asks the disciples to wait in expectant prayer, together with Our Lady, in the Upper Room, for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them. Think of the Holy Spirit as the love between the Father and the Son. It will be through the power of the Spirit that the disciples will be able to faithfully and fruitfully continue Christ’s work on earth. The same is true for us today, and so we are encouraged to keep praying the novena (9 days’ prayer) to the Holy Spirit during these days for a renewal/deepening of the life of the Spirit within us. If you missed this last weekend, there are some extra copies at the back of church. It’s not too late to catch up! Let’s hold each other in our prayers at this time – may we wish each other simply the best!

With blessings & prayers from Fr Richard, Fr Ephrem & all the parish team
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