Daily Reflection Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Where are you going? What was the first place you thought of when you read that question? Was heaven one of the places you thought of?

This past week my family said goodbye to a loved one. My father-in-law, ninety-three years young, went home to God. My sister-in-law was at the hospital with my husband the night dad passed, and she said my husband gently and loving told dad it was okay to let go and go home, that he would be with his loved ones and our sweet Jesus. Shortly after that dad went home. My husband had the privilege of leading the prayer service at the wake. I was standing next to a family member during the service and when the service was over, he turned to me and said, “I am afraid to die” and I asked him why he was afraid. He said, “you really do believe don’t you, I wish I had your faith.”  I told him he did not have to wish he only had to ask the Holy Spirit for help.  

Jesus in today’s gospel tells those he loves that he is “going to the one who sent him” and they are filled with grief on hearing this. This seems like a perfectly normal reaction. No one wants to lose someone they love. Then Jesus reminds them that if he does not go the Advocate would not come to them. He knew, in the days to come they would need the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to come and strengthen them and lead them in the way of truth. We also received the same Spirit through our Baptism and Confirmation. The Spirit that gives us the strength to get through challenging times. The Spirit that guides us to the voice of truth and gives us hope. Hope in being with God forever and hope in being reunited with those we love who have gone home before us.

Have ever noticed people whispering a prayer before they go up for communion? I would like to share with you one that I say, “Jesus, flow through me, awaken me to the Sprit you have lovingly placed in me, so that I may do your works, your will and follow your ways, Amen.” In the weeks to come I will offer this prayer up for my special family member who is struggling to find his way. I will pray that the Spirit Jesus sent to his beloved followers will also be with him and each of us so that when someone asks us where we are going? We can answer home to heaven.

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