When evening came, Jesus arrived with the twelve. Mark 13:17
Like most families, our relatives regularly gather together to celebrate Holidays, mile-stone life events and even ordinary days of togetherness. It is the norm, for friends also to join in the merriment, rounding out our family unit with their unique personalities, adding a special joy to these occasions. Perhaps it is because they choose to be there, they are not obligated, that a feeling of specialness and value fills the air. It feels good to have your companionship preferred! These friends are a priceless part of our “family.”
Through the years, several members of our family have returned to God and the memory of that last get-together we shared with them lingers in our hearts. We did not know that it would be our last gathering with them, and often wish we could go back and with greater attention, absorb every moment we had with each of them. Then one day their smiles, gestures and words slowly return to us. We remember happy times, their faith and their actions. But most of all we remember their love. Still the loss is there, yet with it comes an appreciation of who they were and what they stood for. Our appreciation heightened, and with a keener sense that it is for our own good, when it is suggested that we live each day as though it were the last, it is much easier to be more attentive to those we care about.
The apostles although selected by Jesus, freely chose to be a part of his circle of friends; to become family to Him and His Mother, Mary. In this Scripture passage, the last supper, they did not fully comprehend that this would be their last gathering with Jesus. They had little idea, despite His repeated forewarnings, of what He had ahead of Him and the sorrow they would endure. But He left much for them and us to remember! His teachings, His words, His gestures, His smiles, His caring and His love were written in their hearts and subsequently ours, to be passed on to each generation. He sends the Holy Spirit, as He did then, to give any courage and strength needed to get through the days ahead. And all He asked of them and now us over and over again, is only to be with Him. We are part of His family, and He has chosen to be part of ours! He is with us and there is still time; couldn’t we all be a little more attentive to Him?
When evening comes in the quiet of the close of day, may we be present with you dear Lord and stop to consider and appreciate all whom you have gathered with us.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson