For the next few days, the lectionary will offer us readings that can best be called “farewells.” Paul says farewell to the people of Miletus while Jesus concludes his farewell to the disciples with a prayer.
Both of them realize that their fate is uncertain, though imprisonment and suffering likely await them. However, their priority is to follow the path that has been set before them by God. Paul states that he desires to finish his course of bearing witness to the Gospel. Jesus prays his disciples will not forsake the name which he has revealed to them.
There is evidence in these readings of sadness and some distress; however, the overall impression of Paul and Jesus is that they look to the future with hope. Each of them has responded to God’s call and were obedient to what was asked of them. Their hope is not in clinging to this life or in denying death, but in looking forward to continuing to serve God and God’s people. What matters most to them is that those around them never lose their own personal relationship with God, even though their “guides” will no longer be present among them in the same way.
These moments in the life of Paul and of Jesus can guide us in our own life transitions. We can make peace with the past by recalling how we responded to God and served his people, including in our homes, communities, and beyond. We can find hope in focusing on continuing this service, especially in those God-given relationships that matter most and will endure.
In our celebration of the Eucharist, we see the prayer of Jesus fulfilled through the mercy of God. In his body and blood, he continues his saving work in us.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator