When I would return to the United States for my home visit, my brother and I would spend a day at the cemetery visiting the graves of our parents and other family members.

“Do not be afraid.” This is the message of Jesus in today’s gospel. Yet, right now all over the world there are many things that we are afraid of.

This Sunday is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. In this celebration, we give thanks for the gift of Christ’s Body and Blood — we honour Jesus in His Body and Blood.

There has been a saying going around our Community that the Feast of the Ascension reminds us that Jesus decided thereafter “to work from home”.  But Jesus promised not to leave us orphans. 

The Scriptures tell us that Jesus spent the 40 days between His resurrection and His ascension into Heaven moving in and out of the lives of His disciples. 

“I will not leave you orphans.” What soothing and comforting words from Jesus to his disciples. During the time of Jesus, being an orphan was a very difficult state for a child to be in.

Jesus’ hope filled words today prepare his disciples for his upcoming ascension. The whole experience of the resurrection and the appearance of Jesus to his disciples might have been quite overwhelming.

Many of the images Jesus chose in his teaching or manifests in his relationships are images of tender, loving care and intimacy.

When I was a young priest, I was often surprised by the number of people I met who were “disappointed by God”, and so they walked away from Him.  “God never answered my prayers, so I stopped praying.” 

“Peace be with you.” This was the greeting of Jesus to his apostles on his first appearance after he has risen from the dead. After that, his disciples were first astonished at seeing him. Then he greeted them again, “Peace be with you”.