Try taking something away from a child and see how that works.  None of us like to have something taken away from us.  When we have become especially attached to something it becomes even more difficult to let go of it.  There are things that are sources of comfort to us and as long as they are immediately with us we feel secure and that everything is as it should be in the world.  Like Linus, in the Peanuts cartoon written by Charles Shultz, many children become attached to a security blanket and that blanket comforts them and represents to them their power to successfully deal with the world.  When it is removed, taken away from them, they become quite upset, frightened and confused by their loss; they have trouble moving forward in their lives without their source of strength and comfort.  This is a very human experience that we all experience one way or another at some time in our lives.  It may be a blanket, a favorite doll or stuffed animal, or some other object, perhaps even a special person in our lives. 

     Separation from these things that we have associated with power in our lives is a necessary part of maturing and moving forward in our lives and discovering a new source of comfort and strength that is no longer outside of ourselves where it is seen as something that can be lost or taken away.  We must discover a source of power, strength and comfort within ourselves that will remain with us always.

     At the ascension of the Lord it seems that the disciples of Jesus felt this sense of separation anxiety.  Jesus was being taken away from them.  Jesus had prepared them for this day and they must have known that the time would come when Jesus would no longer walk the roads of this world with them, teaching them and giving them strength and comfort by his presence.  Still, the actual time of separation was a difficult time for them.  Where would they find the power and strength to go on?  Who would guide them and protect them, and drive out the demons, the dark and evil things in the world?  It must have seemed like such an idyllic time for them to be able to spend 40 days with the Risen Jesus, a time of prayer and retreat, of new discoveries and wonderful joy but now, did it really have to end?  What would they do now?  You can imagine why they seemed to be a little frozen in time after Jesus disappeared from their sight and they had to be kick started by the angels  present there.

     As the disciples encounter the risen Jesus on the mountain in Galilee in our gospel today we are told that they worshipped (thank God Jesus is here) and they also doubted (what are we going to do when he leaves us).  The life of discipleship in this world is often this way with our faith in the Lord stretching out before us like a guiding light in the night beckoning us forward and yet a shadow always chasing behind us as our doubts and fears threaten to overtake us.  Even for Mother Teresa and many of the saints we have found that this was a part of their journey of discipleship.  It is a necessary part of our spiritual growth as we move from seeking our comfort and security in things and experiences outside of ourselves and we learn to find the light of Christ deep in our hearts where the Spirit of God dwells.  Jesus gives the disciples one last promise as he commissions them for their mission in the world, “I will be with you always.”  The indwelling presence of Jesus who is now nearer to them than ever will be their source of strength and comfort.  The Spirit becomes for the disciples a true power that will allow them to accomplish their mission to the ends of the earth.

     Letting go is not easy.  We want to hold on tight to the things we know and that are familiar to us.  I’m sure the disciples wanted the Risen Jesus to stay with them forever.  Jesus assured them that it was better that he go so that he could send the Holy Spirit to be with them.  The Holy Spirit would not be visible and outside of them but would always be hidden within them, guiding them from within.  Forward in faith, but always that trailing shadow of doubt, until he comes again to lead us home.  Come Holy Spirit, fill us with your peaceful and powerful presence!