I don’t know why I am haunted by the last Sunday of Easter. Maybe it’s the imagery of the disciples and the women gathered together after Jesus has ascended to heaven wondering, “He’s gone. Now what happens?”

The Biblical texts for this day are always from the Farewell Discourse of Jesus, John 14-17. They seem out of place since they fit chronologically just before Jesus’ arrest, but they have the theme of loss and comfort. The old alleluia verse for this day used John 14:18: “I will not leave you comfortless.” Here’s a haunting setting of the verse by composer Everett Titcomb.

Two years ago my friend Trish died. She and I were the last two members of a group that prayed together weekly for 18 years. Father George, another member, died seven years ago. I miss them, and I miss the support of the group. But loss is part of life. Strangely, the emptiness that comes with loss is a reminder that we are alive and in this world. You don’t feel loss unless there some love, some affection, some connection with those who are gone from us.

Jesus sustains us in our loss. He is always with us. I believe that. It’s my personal experience. Some weeks after my mother died I was with a group of people praying silently. In that moment I experienced the presence of Christ in a way I never did before or since. Christ kept his promise and will keep his promise for you. “I will not leave you comfortless.”

Read John 14:15-21 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne