It is unspeakably difficult to say goodbye to someone we have come to love, with whom we have shared our innermost feelings, hopes and dreams.

I remember when I was a junior in high school and a part of our production team for the musical Camelot. King Arthur's final farewell and deepest wish for the future comes to mind.

Ask ev'ry person if they've heard the story, and tell it strong and clear if they have not, that once there was a fleeting wisp of glory, called Camelot? Don't let it be forgot that once there was a spot, for one brief, shining moment, that was known as Camelot? That song is especially special because of the whole experience of the reality of those few weeks, a dream in my life woven together with King Arthur's dream of a perfect place called Camelot.

Jesus had developed an intimate relationship with the twelve disciples and many others on his earthly journey; but it was important to him to try and prepare the ones whom he loved and the ones who loved him for his death. He did that in at least two ways. He promises in verse 18: "I will not leave you orphaned."

Whether we like to think about it or not when someone we love dies we do worry, deeply and silently, with our own separation anxiety. It is a part of our personal soul's grieving. How will I go on alone?

Jesus promises to come back to them in a different way, in a different "face", a different "form" , as the Church has come to describe. Jesus calls the One who will come as "another Advocate", "the Spirit of truth".

Jesus reassures that his death will not be a total separation, a soreful tearing away of their relationship, but there will be a new kind of togetherness for the future.

Secondly, Jesus gives the disciples a way to go on, a way to pay forward the love they have felt for him. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me." (vs. 15, 21) Jesus has given them a mode of living and a purpose for living into the future, through which they will be living a continuous remembrance of his very essence - compassionate and sacrificial love. Far greater than just a remembrance of the past, the ones who love him by loving others will bless others and will be blessed themselves with the experience of his presence accompanying them.

A few years ago, my husband died after a rather short illness. The depth of my despair was unspeakable. We had talked about our hopes and dreams and were living into them when God called him home. My aloneness paralyzed my life. And then gradually, the Lord made it very clear to me. He recalled to me that the passage from John was part of my call into ministry. I was not alone. God still walked with me.

My husband's memory also continues with me in a very powerful and present way. He loved everyone no matter what their circumstances or attitude. I can remember so clearly him saying to me, "How you treat another person is about who you are." I believe this is the kind of love Jesus was talking about.

It is with these personal words that I now end this week's message. Do not fail to cultivate a relationship because someday you may have to say goodbye. You will miss out on the richness of life and love and the company of the Holy Spirit.