Acts 11:1-18, Psalm 148, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35
Prepared by Reverend Vicki Betsinger
May 18, 2025
Our Gospel reading today also talks about change….a change that, at that point, the disciples don’t understand. They had been traveling with Jesus for 3 years. Ever since the moment they gave up their livelihood and began to follow Jesus, they had been learning from him and serving those in need. Jesus knew what lay in store for him and on numerous occasions, Jesus had tried to prepare them for his departure, but they really didn’t get it; but then how could they understand. They, as we, couldn’t envision their ministry changing until it became a necessity. We humans love things to stay as they are. It’s comfortable and we know what to expect. Jesus was their rabbouni, their teacher and guide. I imagine they could not envision their ministry without Jesus. We know what that feels like, when someone who is loved by so many leaves us suddenly, we can hardly accept that they are gone and what has been a comfortable relationship for several years is over.
We know they are still with us in spirit, but we see them in this earthly plain no more. It hurts and we want things restored to the way they were.
Yes, the disciples were facing the physical death and resurrection of Jesus, but they were also facing a death and resurrection in their ministry. That was another important change they did not anticipate. On the night before He died, He told them that where he was going they could not come. I wonder what they thought of that strange statement? Did they feel a little angry, hurt and left out? Were they fearful that he was leaving them behind for another group of disciples? Sort of a Mom likes you best moment? I imagine there was worry and confusion as to what that message meant. But the meaning would would become clear to them all too soon.
Jesus also left them with a very important message…..his most important. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”.
They were about to endure three very difficult days and some unusual and confusing experiences in the days ahead. They would be incredibly sad, frightened, lost, alone. What did this mean for their ministry? They would be asked to pick up the pieces and travel far and wide to spread the message of Jesus. They would face difficulties, obstacles, and disappointments but they would prevail.
And how would they overcome all these difficulties? By embracing and spreading the new commandment of Jesus….by loving one another, it is how they showed they were disciples of Christ….through their love.
We had a wonderful celebration yesterday honoring the life of Carol Wilson who showed she was a disciple of Christ through her love. She was with us just 4 short years, just one year more than Jesus had with his disciples, but her impact on all of us at St. Hugh was powerful. She lived her faith every day and shared that faith and her love with us all. She knew each of us and ministered to us in her wonderful way that made each person feel very special. She easily became family to us, and her family feels like our family.
We’re never ready to say good-bye to people we love….the disciples weren’t ready to say good-bye to Jesus and we certainly weren’t ready to say good-bye to Carol. But the message Jesus left with the disciples is the same one Carol left with us. Love one another.
And this is the message that we will carry as we approach the changes that will be facing St. Hugh in the future. With any death, or change of circumstances, comes a resurrection, a transition, transformation, and with love for one another we face the future with courage and anticipation of what’s to come.
Amen