Welcome to Annapolis: Calvary Church’s daily reflection during this National and World Health Crisis.
Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Read Again John 14: 1-14
"Satisfaction guaranteed" is a very common expression and policy that many stores have to attract customers. Basically, this phrase, "refers to a legally binding express guarantee of satisfaction in the contract of a sale of goods."
Every time I shop, I find myself looking for this policy, this peace of mind that if for some reason something goes wrong with an item I've purchased, I can return it for a full refund. Then I go an extra step, checking this "satisfaction guaranteed" policy. I want to make sure that if for some reason I need to return the item, this policy also includes free return shipping because sometimes paying the shipping back can be pricey.
Today,
the Gospel of John 14: 1-14 tells us something similar. It tells us that even in Jesus' time, people wanted to be satisfied. Jesus has given this important declaration about who he is and his relationship with the Father. Jesus declared to his disciples that he is "the way, and the truth, and the life." That no one will come to the Father except through him. Further, he affirms that if they knew him, they know the Father and because of that; they have already seen the Father. (v. 6-7)
We act like Philip when we are not convinced and we go to Jesus asking, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied" (v. 8). Jesus' response is what we encounter when we call customer service. Today's customer service will take us to read the small print. Jesus' response to Philip is in a similar way where at the end he should be satisfied: "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? 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 say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works." (v.9b-10).
When it comes to our risen Lord, what level of satisfaction are we looking for? Do we think Philip was satisfied with Jesus' response to his demand? Are we? If not, why not?
Finally, in verses 12-14, Jesus links the believers' works with those of himself and the Father. This means, that Jesus' works continue among us; we embody his deeds and bear witness to his presence in the world. God's work occurs because Jesus goes to the Father and not because of the disciples themselves. To pray in Jesus' name means to be in relationship with Jesus and thus with his Father. Is this enough "satisfaction guaranteed" for us today?
Peace,
Rev. Braulio Torres
Annapolis: Calvary UM Church
Building a Bridge of Faith for all of God’s children through Prayer, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness
