The oldest building in Manhattan is Fraunces Tavern. It has been preserved because it was here that in 1783 George Washington gave his farewell address to the officers who had served with him in the Revolutionary War. Both in ancient and modern times a farewell address is a common theme and the scripture reading assigned for today present two: Jesus’ farewell to the apostles at the Last Supper and St. Paul’s farewell to his followers at Miletus. In both instances, after having worked with them for three years, the master/teacher wants to get in must “one more thing” before departing. Ultimately they did say good-bye and the followers had to take the lessons they learned to heart and make them their own. How often we think we need “one more thing” in order to do well. Actually we have only to respond to what we’ve already been given and act with kindness, compassion, forgiveness and generosity and all will be well.
MAY152024
By Church Staff
