|
John 14: 1-12
Today’s gospel begins with comforting words from Jesus: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” He was speaking to his disciples just before his death, a death they were not prepared for. He was softening the blow his death would bring. He knew it would shock, frighten, and sadden them.
He assured them they knew the way to where he was going: “Where I am going, you know the way.” They were confused, as they often were, and couldn't quite figure out what he was saying. Their confusion is ours. We wonder as we read his words about this way.
We know more about this story than the disciples knew at the time of this conversation with Jesus. We know he was crucified. We also know that the story does not end with his death but moves to the resurrection. He told them in so many ways that he would die and in three days rise, but it made no sense at the time. What was so awful, so painful, was replaced by awe when they realized what had happened.
John's writing is different from that of the other gospel writers. He doesn't focus on the life of Jesus as much as on the divinity and Godliness of Jesus, and on his firm belief that following the way of Jesus leads to living with God. He is passionate about his words as he shares his belief in the divinity of Jesus.
In graduate school, while studying the scripture writers, I nearly failed a test on the gospel of John. He is not as straightforward as the other gospel writers who engage us with stories of Jesus' life. You can almost feel the urgency to bring others to share his belief. I say this after years of trying to understand his words, only to stumble over them. Sometimes it takes a while for understanding to set in.
What can we take from this gospel of John? I hear Jesus speaking with such love to his friends. He gives them hope, assuring them they will be together again and imploring that his way be theirs. He wanted the best for them, which ultimately means resting in peace.
What is this way? We each might define it a bit differently but would include living with a code of peace and love. We only have to look around us and at the world to see that fear, pitting segments of society against each other, excluding some from the circle to benefit oneself, is harmful. We hear language and witness behavior that is the opposite of the way Jesus taught by people claiming to follow Jesus. Talk about confusion.
Jesus’s way was and is kind, trusting in God, inclusive, grateful, merciful and always advocating for those in need. He tells us not to trouble our hearts but to have faith. Living his way will bring change to our troubled world.
Peace,
Anne
| 
