And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also — the promise is not merely of a distant hope but of Jesus' return (parousia) to gather his own into his presence; the separation is not final but penultimate. The phrase "take you to myself" suggests an intimate gathering, a bride-like union with the bridegroom; the disciples will not be orphaned but will dwell where Jesus dwells. This is the ultimate promise of John's Gospel: the communion begun in the incarnation will be consummated in resurrection and eternal dwelling together.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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