At the supper table, Jesus looks ahead to the flight of the disciples when he is arrested in Gethsemane. He even says that for a time they will be scattered and return to their homes.
They won't entirely lose their faith. But for a time it would be weak, imperfect.
John will return to this theme in the last chapter of his Gospel. Seven of the disciples are back up north near the Sea of Galilee. Not only have they gone back to their home territory but - at least in the case of Peter, Andrew, James and John - back to their previous profession as fishermen. There will be a miraculous catch of fish, and eventually the will recognize they rise Lord standing on the shore.
There is something of a parallel here with the experience of the death of someone we love - especially a tragic death. We don't lose our faith entirely, but for days after the funeral we are in a fog. Gradually, through prayer and the word of God, we realize the truth of what Jesus promised.
Ever experience a death like that?
- Little White Book, Diocese of Saginaw