I Will Not Leave You Orphaned; I Am Coming To You
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
[Jesus said,] “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you” (v. 18).
This passage reminds me of a conversation I had with my good friend who lives in Brazil. It was several years ago, and her mother had just died after a long battle with cancer. Being a zealous Christian, I wanted to comfort her with words of scripture such as this. I told her, your mom may not be here physically, but spiritually she is with you more than ever. Her reply was something like: I know, but I’d rather for her to be here physically. It cut me to the heart that a passage of scripture did not comfort, but perhaps rather brought about more pain.
Now I read this gospel a bit differently. How were the apostles and disciples feeling when Christ told them that he would leave them physically, but would give them “Another advocate, to be with you forever.” Perhaps they felt like my dear friend, sadden, maybe a pinch of hopefulness and comfort. I know after my dad and grandma died I didn’t feel comforted. In the midst of the pain and illness, nothing can really silence the anxiety and depression that permeates and resides in the heart until circumstances change.
I think it’s okay to feel orphaned. It’s okay to feel negative emotions. Jesus understands. That is precisely why he says “I will not leave you orphaned.” Jesus knows at times we feel this way, especially when the people we love have died. It is easy to feel forgotten and all alone, like someone pressed the reset button. We may feel in a rut for a time, but the Risen Lord assures us “I am coming to you…On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” When he comes, the Holy Spirit will permeate our hearts with his grace, mercy, love, and a new hope
In these days between Easter and Pentecost, we give thanks for the promised Holy Spirit, who draws near to us with comfort and help. Moreover, may the Holy Spirit in us move us to be the physical hands, feet, and heart of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ to comfort the orphaned of heart around us. And as we do so, Christ will reveal himself to us. Amen.
