Whem Absence is a Greater Presence

I remember when Pope Benedict XVI renounced the papacy last year on 11 February 2013, the reaction of people were varied. It was difficult most especially to the Ratzingerians and the Benaddicts. Some were fully trusting of his decision. Some felt betrayed in the same way they felt when their fathers walked out on them. There was a few who were pleading, "Papa, say it isn't so." Eventually as things settled down, it turned into a twitterstorm of #ThanksPontifex.

The Benedict XVI event happened before the Holy Week of that year, but my thoughts were on the Apostles and disciples of Christ. I could imagine them reacting the same way when Jesus had to leave them to go back to the Father. It is never easy to let go of someone who is a beautiful part of your life. It is something we will experience - a physical separation due to migration or in a more definitive way, through death.

Jesus' parting with the apostles was beyond what we normally can experience. He had given all. He had given Himself. It seemed like a contradiction that He is going away to the Father and at the same time saying, "I will be with you always until the end of time".

Jesus, in His Divinity, was not limited by time and space. He is the Alpha and Omega. His presence was stronger after His earthly presence because He had transformed the lives of men and women who will never be the same again. The apostles and the disciples with the help of the Holy Spirit will continually testify to the Messiah.

Jesus, the True Messiah that He really is didn't just come and go. He founded a Church to fulfill the mission of making known the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Jesus gave us a shepherd so we will never be LOST.
Jesus gave us a mother in Mary so we will never be ORPHANED.
Jesus gave us the communion of the saints so we will never be ALONE.
Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit so we will never be HELPLESS.
Jesus gave us the Holy Confession so we will never be without MERCY.
Jesus gave us the Holy Eucharist so He can give HIMSELF.

An absence that is a greater presence
Luke 24:46-53
Jesus said to His disciples, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high."

Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them. While He BLESSED them, He parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with GREAT JOY, and were continually in the temple blessing God."