Reflections on Farewells and the Anticipation of the Holy Spirit

As we navigate the moments of saying goodbye, how adept are we at handling these emotional transitions? For many, farewells can feel awkward, prompting a preference for quick exits—disappearing without much fanfare. Observing people at airports, for instance, can be quite telling. You see parents bidding farewell to their teenagers as they embark on their first significant journeys, perhaps to Europe or other exciting destinations. These moments are filled with a mix of excitement and sadness, a poignant reminder of the transitions we all face.

In my role as a priest, I often witness farewells in a different context—visiting individuals in their final stages of life, whether in palliative care, intensive care units, or nursing homes. Families rush to be by their loved ones’ sides, striving to share those last precious moments before the inevitable goodbye. These experiences highlight the importance of farewells, not just as endings but as significant moments of connection and love.

Jesus’ Farewell Discourse: A Model for Our Goodbyes

In the Gospel of John, we find Jesus navigating his own farewells, particularly in what is known as the farewell discourse, spanning chapters 14 to 17. Here, Jesus takes the time to pray for his disciples, offering them guidance and teaching them about unity. He reassures them of the Holy Spirit’s coming, emphasizing that his departure is not just an ending but a necessary step for the greater good. After his resurrection, Jesus has to say goodbye once more, and this time, he ascends into heaven, enveloped by a cloud—a powerful image of his transition.

Key Lessons from Jesus’ Farewell Discourse

1. Prayer and Guidance: Jesus prays for his disciples, showing us the importance of interceding for others during times of transition.

2. Unity: He teaches about the importance of unity, reminding us that farewells should strengthen our bonds rather than weaken them.

3. Reassurance: Jesus reassures his disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit, highlighting that goodbyes can be a prelude to new beginnings.

The Significance of the Ascension

This moment serves as a reminder of the significance of goodbyes. Jesus had made it clear during the Last Supper that his departure was essential. He reassured his disciples that it was for their benefit, promising that he would send them a helper, the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to do incredible works. This promise is crucial, as it signifies that even in moments of separation, there is hope and continuity.

The Ascension: A Promise of Empowerment

– Necessary Departure: Jesus’ ascension was not just a departure but a necessary step for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

– Empowerment: The promise of the Holy Spirit signifies that we are not left alone; we are empowered to continue Jesus’ work.

The Period Between Ascension and Pentecost: A Time of Preparation

The period between Ascension and Pentecost is particularly important for us as a church. It is a time of waiting and preparation, often referred to as the first novena. Jesus instructed his disciples to remain together, to pray, and to express their longing for the Holy Spirit. This waiting period is not passive; it is an active engagement in prayer and community, recognising our need for divine assistance.

Active Engagement in Prayer and Community

– Waiting with Purpose: This period is not about passive waiting but active engagement in prayer and community.

– Expressing Longing: It is a time to express our longing for the Holy Spirit and to prepare our hearts for His coming.

Embracing Our Vulnerabilities

As we reflect on this, we must acknowledge our own vulnerabilities. We often feel empty, broken, or wounded, but it is precisely in these moments of recognition that God can meet us. The Holy Spirit seeks to fill our emptiness and transform our brokenness into something beautiful. This transformation is not just for our individual lives but for our community as a whole.

Transformation Through Vulnerability

– Acknowledging Brokenness: Recognising our vulnerabilities allows God to meet us where we are.

– Community Transformation: The Holy Spirit’s work is not just for individuals but for the entire community.

Cultivating Expectancy

As we approach the upcoming week, let us not merely go through the motions. Instead, let us cultivate a sense of expectancy. God desires to do a powerful work within us as a community. He wants us to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit, which can lead to incredible transformations. We must be open to receiving the forgiveness and mercy that we often feel unworthy of, allowing God to work through us.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Expectancy

– Prayer Teams: Next Sunday, after our mass, we will have prayer teams available to pray with you. This is an opportunity to share in the experience of being broken yet open to God’s goodness and love.

– Heart Full of Hope: Come with a heart full of hope and a desire to encounter the risen Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit.

– Openness and Vulnerability: Let us prepare ourselves to be transformed by our openness and vulnerability, ready to share the life of God that has been so freely given to us.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as we reflect on farewells and the anticipation of the Holy Spirit, let us remember that these moments are not just about endings but about new beginnings. Jesus’ ascension was not a departure but a promise of empowerment. As we gather in prayer and community, let us embrace the transformative power of God, allowing it to change us and shape us into the people He longs for us to be. Let us approach this week with expectancy, ready to receive the incredible works that God has in store for us.