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Exploring the word

09 May 2010 - Sixth Sunday of Easter, Cycle C

After the departure of a loved one, what's left is often an assortment of odd things that become surprisingly meaningful. Whether the person in question has gone to war, moved away, or joined "those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith," their parting gifts are precious. I survey the articles I've been bequeathed over the years: my father's well-worn flannel shirt, a grandmother's rosary, a whimsical cutting board in the shape of a pig, and a song that moves me to tears whenever I hear its sounding notes. These items are not valuable. They aren't especially beautiful to behold. What makes them priceless is the connection each provides to an absent one whose presence once made all the difference. On the night before he suffered, Jesus knew that he was leaving his friends. They seemed obtuse to this reality—though not because they hadn't been forewarned often. So Jesus says it plainly again: He is going away, but only to prepare a place for when they follow. After a few uncomprehending questions—Where are you going? How will we know the way?—his friends gradually grow quiet to receive his parting words. What does Jesus say to them on this final night? He talks about love; most people do. He talks about the love he has for them, the love they bear for him, and how love remains even though he departs from view. Jesus also offers a most tangible parting gift: an Advocate Spirit to provide continuity of guidance and teaching so that they won't be lost after he's gone. Finally he leaves them peace. He doesn't just "wish" them peace: He hands it over like a paperweight to keep their hearts from being ruffled by fear and distress. What do the disciples do with these gifts of love, guidance, and peace? Not much, initially. Like many of us stunned by separation and lost in a sea of deep emotion, they flail about as if they had nothing to hold onto when Jesus is taken from their midst. That's not an uncommon thing to do with parting gifts. After my father's funeral I couldn't bear to touch his shirt or even see it. I put it away in a closet where it hung for nearly a year. But the next winter I took it out, happy for the reminder it provided. And I took to wearing it, to keep his memory close, to allow him to be present to me again. It will take a little while, not long really, for the disciples to find room for the parting gifts they receive from Jesus. But when they do—and when we do—what's unleashed is the most powerful memory of all. Related scripture links Jerusalem Council according to Paul: Gal. 2:1-14 Jesus on peace: Matt. 5:9, 21-26, 38-48, 6:25-34; Luke 6:27-36, 8:22-25, 12:2-9, 22-34 Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done: Matt. 6:9-13 Kingdom now: Mark 1:15; Matt. 4:17; Luke 17:20-21 Catechism links Nature of the church: CCC 763-776; 857-865; 871-913 Holy Spirit: CCC 243-248; 692-693; 727-741; 1099; 2623

Authors Alice Camille

parting gifts

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Featured Exploring the Word

25 May 2025 - Sixth Sunday of Easter, Cycle C

After the departure of a loved one, what's left is often an assortment of odd things that become surprisingly meaningful. Whether the person in question has gone to war, moved away, or joined "those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith," their parting gifts are precious. I survey the articles I've been bequeathed over the years: my father's well-worn flannel shirt, a grandmother's rosary, a whimsical cutting board in the shape of a pig, and a song that moves me to tears whenever I hear its sounding notes. These items are not valuable. They aren't especially beautiful to behold. What makes them priceless is the connection each provides to an absent one whose presence once made all the difference. On the night before he suffered, Jesus knew that he was leaving his friends. They seemed obtuse to this reality—though not because they hadn't been forewarned often. So Jesus says it plainly again: He is going away, but only to prepare a place for when they follow. After a few uncomprehending questions—Where are you going? How will we know the way?—his friends gradually grow quiet to receive his parting words. What does Jesus say to them on this final night? He talks about love; most people do. He talks about the love he has for them, the love they bear for him, and how love remains even though he departs from view. Jesus also offers a most tangible parting gift: an Advocate Spirit to provide continuity of guidance and teaching so that they won't be lost after he's gone. Finally he leaves them peace. He doesn't just "wish" them peace: He hands it over like a paperweight to keep their hearts from being ruffled by fear and distress. What do the disciples do with these gifts of love, guidance, and peace? Not much, initially. Like many of us stunned by separation and lost in a sea of deep emotion, they flail about as if they had nothing to hold onto when Jesus is taken from their midst. That's not an uncommon thing to do with parting gifts. After my father's funeral I couldn't bear to touch his shirt or even see it. I put it away in a closet where it hung for nearly a year. But the next winter I took it out, happy for the reminder it provided. And I took to wearing it, to keep his memory close, to allow him to be present to me again. It will take a little while, not long really, for the disciples to find room for the parting gifts they receive from Jesus. But when they do—and when we do—what's unleashed is the most powerful memory of all. Related scripture links Jerusalem Council according to Paul: Gal. 2:1-14 Jesus on peace: Matt. 5:9, 21-26, 38-48, 6:25-34; Luke 6:27-36, 8:22-25, 12:2-9, 22-34 Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done: Matt. 6:9-13 Kingdom now: Mark 1:15; Matt. 4:17; Luke 17:20-21 Catechism links Nature of the church: CCC 763-776; 857-865; 871-913 Holy Spirit: CCC 243-248; 692-693; 727-741; 1099; 2623 Adapted from a previously published Exploring the word.

Authors Alice Camille

parting gifts Love guidance Peace

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Take Five for Faith Daily

Wednesday
April 09

Faith gets the last laugh

Comedian W.C. Fields would often get a laugh by exclaiming, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego!” in moments of surprise. However, the men behind those names faced a grave test in Hebrew scripture. The Babylonian king ordered them to worship a false god or face execution. But these faithful men refused to bow. They boldly declared that even if God did not deliver them, they would still remain true. This is the essence of faith: not just the willingness to die for God's sake, but the understanding that God doesn’t need to prove anything. Faith is not about believing because of what God does for us, but because of who God is—love itself. Strengthen your faith by deepening your love for God and others.

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