As we gather and reflect on motherhood this Mother’s Day weekend, one of the most difficult parts of becoming a mother for the first time are those long nine months of anticipation. Taking classes, meeting with doctors, and preparing in every way still does not provide for the full extent of the experience until it happens.
    And I suspect that is where the apostles find themselves these days between Jesus’ Ascension back to his father in heaven and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Jesus has prepared them over and over again for the gift of the Spirit He promises to leave with them as an advocate, as a helper, as a guide.  But it is difficult for them to fully comprehend what all that means. And so they wait in anticipation, wondering what it all means.
    In today’s gospel Jesus talks about the importance of all the apostles feeling a union, an oneness with God; just as Jesus and the Spirit are one so He prays that they also experience that unity. Coming to know the oneness of God in all His fullness is the impetus they will need to go forth and to preach His message of Good News.
    But still they wait being challenged all the while to trust in that promise of God – that God will help them when that time comes for them to go forth.
    In retrospect we know how God’s spirit transformed them; how the experience was almost too much take in; how their words became so powerful that thousands came to follow Jesus.
    That waiting is a huge part of our lives as well. We wait for everything that is worthwhile in life. We especially wait for God’s Words to become alive for us; to transform us; and to lead and guide us to the gift of life Jesus won for us through His Resurrection.
    May we be patient with one another and with God and may we be reminded that God always keeps His promise – whether to send His spirit or to make us new in His love.