‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way. John 14:18-31
Watching the solar eclipse yesterday, I imagine that it was a phenomenon feared by many. The sunlight changed in a short period of time, an unexpected transition which dropped the temperature and changed all the shadows and light. We all find ourselves fearing transitions, celestial or personal because it might feel like we're losing control, and we are. Yet it is those times of fearful changes, when God draws close to us and embraces the frightened small child that we become. We are never orphaned by God, rather we are sent friends and helpers so we might face the times ahead.
Gracious Creator, present in our darkness and light
you bring hope and new life to us when we are fearful
you hold us when we tremble and feel so all alone
sending angels and companions to walk along with us.
We live in times of great discord and greater anxiety
there is no way for us to fix all the broken pieces
you come among us when we are lost and wandering
helping all of us to find our way back to your home.
Set a fire of compassion and kindness in all of us
make us those who seek you in every challenge
give us your peace as we face the unknown changes
and let us rest in your loving arms at all times. Amen.
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