May 18, 2014: 5th Sunday of Easter

Read these Jesus’ replies slowly and ask yourself how they might apply in your life as a follower of Jesus. (Photo: Reflection Garden near White Violet Center for Eco Justice, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.)

Jesus said to his disciples:
“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.”
Thomas said to him,
“Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him,
“Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus said to him,
“Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.
The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these,
because I am going to the Father.”  (John 14:1-12)

Reflection:

The disciples are confused by Jesus’ words; in fact, they may be a little annoyed. Thomas asks, “How can we know the way when we don’t even know where you are going?” And Philip demands, “Show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

Action:

Jesus’ response seems to add to the mystery of discipleship.
Not only is Jesus the way; he is truth and life as well.
And Philip is told that when you see Jesus you see the Father.
Read these replies slowly and ask yourself how they might apply in your life as a follower of Jesus.