Friday, April 26, 2002
4th Week of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 13:26-33
Gospel: Jn 14:1-6
Jesus
said to his disciples, "Do not be troubled; trust in God and trust
in me. In my Father's house there are many rooms. Otherwise I would not
have told you that I go to prepare a place for you. After I have gone
and prepared a place for you, I shall come again and take you to me, so
that where I am, you also may be. Yet you know the way where I am going."
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going; how
can we know the way?" Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and
the life; no one comes to the Father but through me."
Commentary
Beginning today, the last discourses of Jesus. Jesus has knelt to wash his disciples' feet, profoundly impressing upon them the spirit of those who are his disciples. After this, he feels distress, knowing that one of them is about to betray him. When Judas has gone, Jesus knows he has little time left, and gives a last gift, the great commandment of love, by which his followers are to be recognized. Immediately afterwards, Peter's denial is foretold. And then the words of today's gospel, words of reassurance. The key word is trust. His going away has a purpose, to prepare our eternal home, to which he is the way. Christianity is not a creed, but a person we know and trust: Christ, the way, the message, and the destination.