April 30, 2021

Jn 14: 1-6

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.

And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, 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.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Coming home to Jesus

Today’s Gospel is one often found proclaimed at funerals.  Jesus talks about finding the way home, saying goodbye to his closest friends.  It is the Last Supper, and in less than 24 hours, Jesus will die upon the cross.  He knows it, but his friends are not able to see it.  Jesus speaks to them, and to us: “Let not your hearts be troubled. You have trusted in God, trust in me also.”  Have faith.

Jesus often describes heaven as a home.  Is that not what a home really should be after all—a little corner of paradise?  Home is a place of love and forgiveness, where people like the Father of the prodigal son wait for you with open arms. Home is a place where wounds are healed and hearts are mended.   Home is where we get a glimpse of how God must feel about us. 

Easter continues to call you and me home.  The welcome mat is laid out for each one of us.  The door is open.  The banquet table is ready.  Welcome home.

—Jim Bozik is a permanent deacon at St. Peter Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC, the Jesuit parish in the Diocese of Charlotte.

 

Prayer

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you
May you be confident knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

—Often attributed to St. Therèse of Lisieux or St. Theresa of Avila

Please share the Good Word with your friends!