From a Distance - The Rev. Brooklin Taylor

May 25, 2025

It feels like Jesus is building something out of his words, a bridge, perhaps a way for the disciples to cross the growing distance between what will be and what is now, his presence and what will be his absence. He is tying up loose ends here. Yes. But more than that, he is offering the deepest of truths, God refuses to love from a distance.

This reminds me of that truth playing out in my own life. The first time I dropped my oldest child off for his first day of school. In the car line, we hurriedly hugged and kissed and I told him how much I love him and I spent the last few seconds before his teacher would open the door, reminding him of who he is.

You are kind, you are smart, you are brave, you've got this, and I love you. Just in time for him to jump out excitedly and for me to cry all the way home.

But that morning I had tucked a little note into his lunchbox. I'd hoped that note was more than reassurance. It was a presence to unfold later, a whisper in paper form when he opened his meal. Even when you can't see me, you are not alone. I am with you. That's what this section of John feels like to me.