For me, the common theme of today’s readings is “saying our goodbyes”. But not our goodbyes before a trip to the beach, or to visit Disneyland or to go to work or school. Rather, a goodbye to those we love, here on Earth, as death approaches.
Paul’s Highlights
In the first reading, Paul gathered the local church leaders to say his goodbyes. He offered highlights of what he had done for the church, and for them. He gave highlights of how he dedicated his blood, sweat and tears to share God’s word. He reminded them that he would not see them again on Earth. He had given the converts all he had to give. As US President Abraham Lincoln would say, he gave his “full measure”. There was probably not a dry eye in the crowd. However, at the edge of the crowd, the haters were probably giddy with delight. At last, Paul would be gone! The same would happen with Jesus.
Jesus’ Goodbye
In the Gospel, Jesus acknowledges that it is time to say goodbye to Earth. It’s time to return to Heaven. Jesus confirms that he will complete his Mission. He says goodbye to his life on Earth, but looks forward to saying Hello to his Father in Heaven. He will leave behind the Holy Spirt to guide us, and so much more. God is pleased with him, to say the least. His believers will be sad, but empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry on. His haters will say “I told you so”, and go about their business, having “missed the boat” of the Messiah. His death on the cross will be a victory for the believers, for he will overcome death and open up Heaven to us. His death on the cross will be just another death to the non-believers. A very different sort of goodbye, depending on one’s beliefs. His death also marks a new beginning, where we are told to “get off the couch” and spread His word to all the corners of the earth.
Our End
I don’t like talking about death, as it “freaks me out”. It’s part of our life cycle, and we all need to deal with it. When that time comes, I pray that I will be clear headed enough to be thankful for all that God has given me. At the end, I hope that I have used my talents as God wanted me to. I hope that I have run a good race, and given it my all.
