It is 15th May 2018. The readings are from Acts 20:17-27; and the Gospel is from John 17:1-11. Parting pains and it brings sadness and uncertainty to the ones who are so close to the ones who are parting physically. Every one us has to move on in life. Some of us have to move on due the new responsibility and some others are moving out because someone has caused pain in their lives or intending harm and threat to the other. A few of us are asked to move out of the place due the accusations and persecutions that are caused by evil individuals or groups. Any parting is indeed emotional and painful to the core. But God achieves what God has intended to achieve by the parting of a particular person or a group. Parting of an individual in our lives or in our work place allows a new space for considering newness in life and in the institution. There is no one irreplaceable when it comes for God’s work. God provides suitable persons to continue the work. Yes, it pains when one parts ways for the better or for the worse, yet God gives us the courage and vision to accept what is ahead in our lives. In the first reading, St. Paul leaves Ephesus after being there with them preaching, teaching and healing for about three years. He had to travel to Jerusalem and he was not sure of his future and all that lies ahead. “But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts.20:24). The responsorial Psalm praises, “You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.” (Ps.68:33). The Gospel presents us with the farewell prayer of Jesus before leaving to the Father. Paul and Jesus are parting and presenting their final words of prayer and encouragement entrusting back to God what they have received from the Father. The parting advice and prayers are painful to hear. The future may look uncertain yet we must face it with faith in God who own and controls the future. As Jesus entrust everything to God, so shall we be entrusting our cares, anxiety, fear and worries about what the future holds for us. “I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do.” (Jn. 17:4). Have we completed the work that is entrusted to us by God? Each one has to answer to God what we have accomplished so far. Parting will be personally unbearable and hurting when we feel that we have not done what is entrusted to us by God. May the Lord give us the courage to complete the task entrusted to us and willing to face what is ahead with the power of the Holy Spirit. May you have a good day. God bless you.