Acts 20:17-27 / John 17:1-11
Whenever we talk about parting or farewell, we get into a melancholic mood; there is an inevitable sadness to it.
In both of today' readings, we hear of a parting or farewell.
In the 1st reading, St. Paul said that he was about to finish his race and had carried out the mission that he was given.
In the gospel, Jesus said that the hour has come and He had finished the work He was given to do and He was going back to the Father.
But if we were to look at what Jesus and St. Paul had accomplished until that point in time, then we have to say that nothing much has actually been achieved.
But yet in both cases, the trust was in God who will bring their work to fulfillment.
So in spite of the unfinished business, Jesus and St. Paul gave us a message of hope.
It was a firm hope in God who will take care of everything.
We may be very busy in life but do we have anything to show for it?
If we are only busy with the things of this world, there will be nothing to show for it.
But when we are busy with the work of God, then the Holy Spirit will help us bring it to fulfillment.
Then the work we do will bear fruit that will last.