As we journey through the Sixth Sunday of Easter, the Church draws us ever closer to the great celebrations of the Ascension and Pentecost. These coming feasts remind us that Christ does not abandon His people but continues to guide and strengthen us through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In this weekend's Gospel from the Farewell Discourse, Jesus speaks words of comfort to his disciples as he prepares for his arrest and crucifixion. He invites them to trust in God and to look forward with hope to their reunion in the Father's house. In the ancient world, when travelers needed lodging, one of them would go ahead to prepare a place. Jesus uses this familiar image—but what he promises is far greater than a temporary shelter. He offers an eternal dwelling in the Father's house.