Saying goodbye.

Lectionary: 298
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Felix of Cantalice


Paul was saying goodbye to his followers in a way that we as parents would like to say goodbye. He knew it was the last time he would see them so he clearly cherished the moment. He also knew that he had done all he could to prepare them for life ahead. He communicated Jesus' love and sacrifice and knew that each of them had the tools to get themselves to heaven if they chose to. 
One more thing: Jesus too is saying goodbye in the Gospel. His love for those of us "given" to him by the Father is evident. “I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me," Jesus said. At the end of our lives, don't you want to tell God the same thing about your children?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for those you have given to me, my children. Help me to remember that they belong to you. Help me to live out my vocation of motherhood in a way that reveals you to my children and leads them to heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. St. Felix, pray for me.