John 14:25-28 “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I’m on my way to the Father because the Father is the goal and purpose of my life.”

What beautiful promises. He leaves us well and whole with a gift of peace and the hopeful expectation of Life, following Jesus into Life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Oh to be glad for those who pass fully into Life – the purpose of Life – to be reunited with Life itself! Lord, thank you! – and as one of the BCS students always prays, “We love you Jesus no matter what.” Amen.