Jesus is preparing his disciples in advance for his absence so that they will continue to believe in him and not feel all alone after his return to the Father. After the initial excitement of his Easter appearances, Jesus will remain with his followers in a very different way throughout the centuries. Beloved, the Christian's life is not shaped by Jesus' absence but by God's abiding presence; God's presence overcomes anxiety. Our future in the hands of the Lord should be shaped by love, not fear. As our celebration of the Easter season is coming to an end, the liturgy reminds us that Jesus remains with us through the Holy Spirit, who teaches us everything we need to know, reminds us of all that Jesus taught, and brings us peace.