To his first disciples and us, Christ says, "Because I live, you also will live" (John 14:19). Anointed with the Holy Spirit at his baptism, Christ now promises the Spirit to all who follow him. Though we may lose loved one, Holy Baptism brings us into a community of sisters and brothers who share in the same Spirit. Here, in this gathering of believers, the Spirit guides, teaches, and inspires us to love. Here, God the Father gives us the gift of His love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing, now and for all time. Like children of our heavenly Father, we share the fruits of His love with the world around us.

          Jesus promises he will not leave us alone. We may feel lonely—as we so often do in the face of illness, unemployment, or grief—but the promise of the resurrection renews us with the life of the risen Jesus. Because Jesus lives, we also live, enjoying the glory of His presence, serving all in need.

          The promise to Jesus' disciples of every time and place is that we will know God through the gift of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. Jesus' resurrection promises that all who believe will see the power of God in their lives. And on the day of our resurrection, which has been and yet will be, God will gather us up in His arms.