One word jumps out at me as I read this gospel, a word you don’t hear elsewhere in any gospel: orphans. “I will not leave you orphans,” Jesus tells his disciples. We typically think of orphans as children who have lost their parents either through death or desertion. Although I was 33 when my mother died, I felt like an orphan then because life did change when I buried her; without my parents, a chapter in my life had ended.
The thought of being alone can be frightening for most of us because we depend on one another to survive and thrive. As we grow up, we never lose our need for attention, compassion, care and love. Life is full of relationships and love is what keeps the best of them going. We cannot bear the notion of being alone.
The good news we hear from Jesus is that we will never be alone. Our relationship with him, his Father, and the Holy Spirit will never end. He speaks of an unconditional love that is ours when we come to realize the unique relationship that exists between the Father, him and us.
Many words can be used to describe love, but one that comes to mind in light of Jesus’ words is commitment. The most common example of that is found in marriage. When a man and woman fall in love with each other and decide to spend the rest of their lives together, they commit themselves to each other. They see themselves as belonging to one another. They expect each other to honor the vows made at their wedding until death do they part.
Some years ago, divers located a 400 year old sunken ship off the coast of Ireland. Among the treasures they found was a man’s wedding ring. When it was cleaned, the divers noticed an etching on the wide band of two hands holding a heart. Beneath the etching were the words, “I have nothing more to give to you.” That sounds like total commitment to each other, if you ask me. In healthy marriages, spouses are totally committed to each other.
That is what Jesus is trying to say to his disciples and to us in the gospel. He assures us that we will never be left alone. He is totally committing himself to us for all time. Are we just as committed to Jesus as he is to us?
When we are committed to any relationship, we care about the other person. The example that hits closest to home for most of us would be our families. Parents and children, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins and in-laws usually have close relationships that reflect being committed to one another.
If we really love someone, we want to be linked with that person. That is what I hear Jesus saying here. He loves us and always wants to be with us. How then do we best connect with him? He tells us simply, observe my commandments. Coming together as a faith community to celebrate the Mass, a command that he voiced at the Last Supper, is what the Church has done ever since the first Easter. Through the Eucharist, Jesus stays with those who believe in him so that they never feel abandoned.
Relationships demand a sense of commitment if they are to survive. We know that first hand from the friendships in our lives. Those that are casual may not last for long, while those that last reflect the commitment two friends have for one another.
Knowing how committed Jesus is to us prompts the question, how committed are we to him and to the church which he founded, the church to which we belong? The Catholic Church has endeavored to proclaim the Good News of Christ from the very beginning to all corners of the world, living up to its name of being universal. The Catholic Church actively pursues this mission not only through our parish on the local level but also through the Archdiocese, which supports 63 vital ministries through the generous response of supporters like you and me. These ministries touch the lives of countless residents of Western Washington, reminding them that in the eyes of God, they are not orphaned. The annual appeal, for example, gives support to our hospital and jail ministries, retired priests and nuns, the formation of our seminarians and deacons in training, schools, Catholic Youth Organization, the tribunal, campus ministry, and Catholic Community Services.
The goal this year to make all this possible is nearly $10 million. That may sound monumental, but the goal can be achieved when everyone chips in. In his letter, Archbishop Brunett poses the question, “Would you be able to consider a pledge of $1 a day in support of the Catholic Church in Western Washington?” That pledge can be done over a span of time with monthly payments, the use of electronic fund transfer from your checking or savings account, the use of a credit card or even direct deposit from your bank. If you cannot give at this level, please know that every gift, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated. If you are employed, see if your employer has a gift matching program to potentially double the amount of your donation.
Next Sunday is commitment Sunday. Please give prayerful thought to what you can give to build a future full of hope and return your envelope then. If you are ready to make your pledge today, please drop your envelope in the collection basket. You need not include any payment at this time. Again, thank you for your generous response, which last year was the fifth highest in the archdiocese. Your gift enabled us to acquire a generator, so there will be no more blackouts. This year, our rebate will be directed toward upgrading the heating and cooling system of the church and necessary repair work to the rectory that is long overdue. Last year, more than half of you responded; this year I hope everyone will respond, for believe it or not, we all do benefit when the Church is able to fulfill its many ministries. On behalf of the many whose lives you touch, thank you for honoring your commitment to the Church of Western Washington, for your gift does send the message that no one need feel orphaned.