There are times like now when I really don’t want to do this reflection. BUT, I also know that it’s times like this where I MUST lean on our faith and open my heart to hear God in my life. There’s nothing better to do than to read the Gospel for this Sunday and reflect. As I read this Gospel once again, I realize how God puts scrip-tures before us that have an uncanny way of speaking to some aspect of our lives just when we need it. The opening line: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” (John 14:1) Just what I need today. “Do not let your heart be troubled.” I would guess that all of us can let this sink in and find much to pray about, a lot to offer up to God within this one sentence. But we don’t stop there…The rest of the Gospel today contains one of the essentials of our faith: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Another great passage to reflect on – and what comfort this Gospel gives! And we can’t forget - God has prepared a place for each of us who believe in Him.
At the preparation of the altar, our song “Where My Father Lives” reiterates this Gospel and gives some of the ‘big’ teachings in the verses:
I am the way, the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
Have faith in God; have in me. Know wherever I am, you will also be.
If you love me and keep my commands,
I will not leave you orphaned:
I will return. Peace I leave, my peace I give.
God’s own Spirit will guide you throughout your life.
If these words are not comforting to you in this time, I’m not sure where you may find it! At Communion, the song “Vine and Branches” ties into this, and takes it to the next step: “I am the vine and you the branches. Remain in me as I remain in you; you will bear great fruit in me.” If we truly believe that He is the way, the truth and the life, we will remain with him. We will be part of Him. We will follow in His ways. The verses in this song also give us some more of the ‘big’ teachings:
A new commandment I give you:
even as I have loved you, now love one another.
No greater love is there than this:
than to lay down your life for your friends.
I am the living bread from heaven; if you eat this bread, you will live forever.
And now as I have washed your feet, so you must do just as I have done.
All of Christ’s teachings lead us to action – lead us to Him – lead us to live our lives in Him – and to find our home with Him forever. That home that He is preparing for those who love Him.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not, would I have told you that I
am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way.” (John 14:1-4)