I hugged a youngster this morning at the Waialua Recreation Center. She was bedecked with leis and attempting to cross the lawn in low heels. She was ‘graduating’ from sixth grade. She is a faithful altar server at Sts. Peter & Paul. Prior to the hug, as I left Mass this morning, delighted St. Michael’s students arrived in T-shirts and bathing suits for their “Fun Day”. A huge multicolored water slide had been blown up on the playing field just waiting for the students. School is almost over…alleluia! I have attended a medical school graduation party, one high school graduation party, and have two more on the waiting list. St. Michael’s eighth graders are preparing for high school; the high school grads are preparing for college. It is a time of great joy and great trepidation. It is a time of leaving best friends and making new ones. It is a time for many of our military youngsters of moves, new homes, new schools. It is a scary time and a time of great achievement…truly a mixed bag.

Were not the apostles a bit afraid when Jesus ascended? Were they not filled with a slight apprehension as they prayed in the upper room. How they must have missed the sight and smile of Jesus…what was this Paraclete all about? Were they doubting their own abilities to “go forth and teach all nations…”? But, were they also remembering His final words to them, “I am with you always…”? And in the midst of the darkened time of waiting, His Spirit descended upon them in fire and wind…in enlightenment and strength. We walk in the age of the Spirit.

Yes, we keep moving on this road of life…and sometimes it is scary. But we carry Him within us. He is always with us and again and again, He says to us, “Fear not…I am with you…peace be with you.”

Tags: Reflection