During the Last Supper Jesus told his disciples that he would soon be leaving them. The disciples were frightened and upset by Jesus’ words but he promised that he would not leave them on their own. The liturgical year is preparing us for the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, and Jesus is preparing us for life in the Spirit here on earth. This is the reason for our hope.This Spirit strengthens, comforts, guides and inspires us. Life in the Spirit requires that we conform our lives to the commandments of God, not in a legalistic or constraining way but out of love. The love that comes to us through the Spirit will then overflow into the lives of others, and we will be agents of God’s love in the world. Love is a commandment given to us by God. Jesus shows his love in many ways. Each one of us is called to be strengthened in the Spirit and live with love by the example given to us by Jesus.