The great American poet Emily Dickinson was also a magnificent letter writer, especially to those who had lost a loved one. To a friend whose child died suddenly, Dickinson wrote, “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality. Nay it is deity.”

Today’s Gospel is all about this kind of wondrous and infinite love. “The apostles are greatly disturbed that Jesus is going to leave,” says Father Jerry, “Their reactions to this upcoming departure evokes not only Dickinson’s words, but also the lyrics of Irving Berlin’s popular song: What do I do? What do I do when you are far away and I am blue?”

Jesus consoles His followers by assuring them that His peace (a peace that the world cannot offer) will be with them always. “To realize the peace of God’s risen one requires taking on the work of the risen one. Forgiving and reconciling. Compassion and mercy,” says Father Jerry in his homily above for Tuesday, May 12th.

Peace be with you.