It is only a few days until Jesus will die. He tries to tell the disciples. He says, “I am going away soon to be with the Father.” Peter asks where Jesus is going as in what village. Thomas says if you don’t give us the Google Maps itinerary, we don’t know where you are going and we can’t follow. Phillip asks just who is this Father you’re going to visit. Can you show him to us?
They have been with Jesus for some time, probably from two to three years. Yet, they still think literally instead of spiritually when Jesus tells them something.
He tells them that they will have God’s Spirit with them when he is gone. Then they will understand.
Jesus left. The Holy Spirit came with great power (think Pentecost, which was only a few weeks later). They understood. And then they did great things.
Sometimes you think you know what will happen in the future. You think you’ll know the experience. You think you know how you’ll act. But you don’t. Really.
Sometimes it’s after the experience, when you have more experiences. You reflect on the experience and ask God to enter your being and guide you. Then, you understand.
People of the early Church, gathering in small communities to pray, eat, teach. learn, all experienced Jesus as present in their group. He was real to them.
When is the last time Jesus was real to you? I’m not talking psychological delusion–although we have many deluded people in our society. If you are in tune with God’s Spirit, it is truly a different dimension. The first followers had to stop thinking literally and start thinking spiritually. When they did, they were alive and full of power. That experience did not end with them. History is full of examples of people who opened themselves to God’s Spirit and led powerful lives of great benefit to others.
Jesus died. We remember that in preparation for Easter celebration. But he lives. And the Spirit continues to be the most powerful force in the world.
Faith Venture 
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