A Gospel Reflection
by Father Livingstone
Friday, May 8th
“Set your troubled hearts at rest. Trust in God always; trust also in me. There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house; if it were not so I should have told you; for I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I shall come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also; and you know the way I am taking,” Thomas said, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus replied, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except by me.”
MEDITATION: Do you allow life’s problems and troubles to rob you of God’s peace? As much as we try, we inevitably encounter problems and difficulties in our life. Adversity often causes us to lose hope and feel abandonment by God. Jesus knew that his disciples would face trials and persecution once he had left them to return to the Father.
Just as God led the Israelites safely through the desert to the promised land, the Lord Jesus tells his disciples that he is going ahead of them to prepare a place for them in the Father’s house. A place of peace, friendship and happiness. A place where there is room for all who believe and love the Lord Jesus Christ. Travelling alone in unfamiliar territory can be difficult and fearful... Jesus will not only provide all that we need for the journey, he will lead us.
Jesus proclaims that he is the Life. He shows us the path of life, the kind of life which only God the Father can give. Abundant life, life that lasts forever. Is there any fear or trouble or distraction that keeps you from the peace and joy of a life surrendered to Jesus Christ?
