In the Last Supper Discourse of St. John”s Gospel  Jesus promises his disciples over and over that he will stay with them. “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” he says.

Though he speaks to his disciples in the supper room the night before he dies, he speaks as the Risen Lord, which means his presence extends, not just to the moment, but to time and space far beyond this. Those who believe in him will follow him into another realm where he prepares a place for them. “You have faith in God, have faith also in me. In my father’s house there are many dwelling places.”

He speaks of his father’s house and promises to return from there: “I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.”

The Christ of the supper room is with us at Mass— the Risen Christ. He cares for us now, and prepares a place for us then. He will come to take us to himself, to his Father’s house, where we will dwell forever.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.”