Acts 13:26-33; John 14:1-6
In a situation like the one we are presently in, there is temptation to find solace in so many ways. Some of them would even take us far from Christ. But in today’s Gospel, Jesus comes with an answer through an immensely powerful statement about Himself. He says, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”
This statement follows the one He made previously, and which made people wonder. He declared; “I am the Bread that came from heaven. Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, you will not have life in you…” And truly, we have experienced hunger for his body and blood throughout these trying times. Today’s statement comes to comfort us in our search for consolation and to give us assurance that Christ is and will always be there for us.
He is the Way because He leads us to heaven where our joy will be fulfilled. However, as The Way, Jesus is not just a map that gives us direction. He leads us through and by example. Jesus does not give us only a teaching. He gives us the example of His life. He is the Way. He says, “Follow me. Follow my example and you will be on the right road.” His own life is our path to salvation.
Jesus is the Truth amidst the versatility of today’s changing teachings about the purpose of life and the meaning of happiness. He is the Truth because He never changes. He is the abiding Truth about the purpose of our life. Undoubtedly, we are all confused with the so many contradictory teachings that are offered out there. And sometimes we even wonder what to believe. Jesus assures us, as he said about Himself as the Good Shepherd, that He is the Truth, and the truth He teaches us remains.
He is the Life because He is the one who will never disappoint us. The life He gives us is a life in union with the Holy Trinity, a life that will never end. He says, “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me will live even if he dies.” This means that the level of life He gives us is deeper than our biological, professional, and emotional life. It is to Him that we should turn when worried, in doubt or any other circumstances of our life.
Let us continue to pray for one another, for our parish family and for the world.
Fr. Emery