Things to Ponder
I use this page to share messages of an inspirational nature, or simply something to ponder. It is my hope that you will always be inspired.
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HOMILY REFLECTIONS -JOHN 14:1-12 - 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER
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Introduction: I am the Way, the Truth, and Life
The readings for the past few Sundays have been about the Resurrection, but today’s Gospel takes us back in time to an event in Jesus’ life before his Passion. It is quite similar to a Last Testament. A farewell address to his confused and worried disciples. It opens with comforting words to the disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” How much do we need those same words today in our troubled and often polarized times! It seems depression, sadness, and even a sense of loneliness – or even boredom and restlessness – can creep into our daily lives. And yet – and yet! – we can hear – if we listen carefully – the inspiring words of Jesus that are spoken to us today: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” This is a promise and words of great comfort. Welcoming news indeed!
As we liturgically move towards the conclusion of the Easter Season, Jesus reminds the disciples – and ourselves today! – that He is going away and that they cannot follow Him – yet. He comforts them – and us – by reframing his death as a departure and his departure as preparation for his return and abiding presence with them. The disciples are continually concerned where Jesus is going and will be. But He describes not a geographical place – as an actual physical room – but an interior space, a house or dwelling based on a relationship with Him – a dwelling that he will prepare for them.
Ponder: To be “in” Jesus is to be in relationship with God or to “dwell” in God’s house.
I would invite you to take time to ponder the words of this Sunday’s Gospel: John 14:1-12.
What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted you?
What in this passage challenged you?
Which of Jesus’ statements in this passage most seem like his personal word to you at this time?
Further Questions and Reflections:
This text is frequently read at funerals, at gravesite services and for good reason. It contains promises that are profoundly comforting in the face of the death of a loved one. I have chosen this beautiful passage so many times when I have celebrated gravesite services. But the text is not only about life after death, but a text that has everything to do with our lives here and now.
What do you hear in this passage for your “here and now?”
Jesus says to us: Do not fear. Trust me. I am the Way. Do you trust Him? Trust His Way?
Imagine Jesus sitting down with you. What would you say to Him? What would He say to you?
How frustrated – perhaps even sad – Jesus must have been with his disciples: “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me?” They had traveled with him for three years, seen his miracles, heard his prophetic words, and looked him in the eye. But they still did not know Him! How often those same words can apply to you and me.
Do we really know Him? And can we ever know Him completely in this lifetime?
And tied closely into this search for Jesus’ identity is our own journey – often bumpy and painful – to our own identity. We are not the same persons (thank God!) we were in kindergarten. You and I have grown many times over, following ever more faithfully the God who continues to draw us.
How do we come to self-awareness? How do we really get to know ourselves?
Ponder: Perhaps the most important question is not who am I? But rather, in the transforming grace of God, who am I becoming?
This passage speaks to a deep sense of being home – where we feel safe, loved, and at rest. Where, or with whom, is this place for you? Do you believe you have discovered this dwelling in Jesus?
Deacon David
Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland
Published with Permission
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