Acts 1:14b (RSV) …together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Women loved Jesus. Judaism was a man’s religion. Women were servants, almost slaves, who depended on their husband for survival. Their worth was measured by how many male children they could birth and their ability to cook, clean and carry water. Jesus changed that. The culture would take time to catch up, and we still haven’t fully made it, but women were equal citizens in God’s kingdom.

And Jesus was a family man. His mother, brothers, and I think his sisters, were in the upper room. When Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, I’ll bet his family rushed to see him as soon as they heard the news. Can you imagine the family time, the laughter and tears, the sweet communion Jesus had with his mother, his brothers and sisters? Think of all the family stories they had to share. It was a family reunion. I’ll bet they talked of Joseph, Aunt Martha and Cousin John. And family reunions never last long enough. There are always more stories to tell. Now, Jesus is gone and the family waits for comfort, for power, the promise of the Father, the baptism of Holy Spirit.

Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? The Holy Spirit, the Holy Comforter is here! May the Holy Spirit enfold you with love and grace. And make you whole again. Amen.