It's Better For You That I Go

I imagined myself hanging on to Jesus like Mary Magdalene did at the Resurrection. And I imagined Jesus telling me, like He told her, to stop.

That wasn't the reading for today, but it was sort of related. Today Jesus is leaving the Apostles to go to His passion. He assures His grief-stricken friends that His going will be better than they think; one phase is ending for a new phase - the era of the Holy Spirit.

"But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go (John 16:7)."

By the Holy Spirit, we have greater access to Jesus than if He had stayed. Every person on earth, regardless of time or place, can personally know Jesus. Jesus remaining on earth as a man couldn't have accomplished that. The Holy Spirit, coming to us in the liturgical celebration of Pentecost in less than two weeks and in the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, enables us to proclaim "Jesus is Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3)."

But on hearing the words at Mass today, my heart resisted. "Yes, Jesus, but can I hang on a little longer? Because I don't want to let go yet."

I considered how many other things we are holding on to that would be better if we let go. Maybe some of the things are good, and maybe some of the things are not that good. What are you holding on to where Jesus would say, "But I tell you in truth, it would be better for you if you let go?"

Letting Jesus go to His Passion and to the Ascension meant the next phase, one by which the Church became empowered to know and serve Jesus better. Is God calling you in your life right now to remain in the status quo, or does He want you to transition to something more? Letting go of the other thing might bring you to the next phase, the next place God wants to take you.

What is the thing that you are holding on to? Is it grief? A job? A relationship that isn't working? Is it your fear? Your certainty that you can't do something even though you desire it? Is it a grudge or a past hurt? Is it your current routine?

Can you let it go? Can you trust if Jesus said, "But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that you let go?" Can you trust that God is going to bring you higher and deeper than you were before?

Jesus, help us to let go so You can take us to the next phase, the place You want us to go.