John’s gospel prompts us to speak with Jesus while living a life of transition; from loss of a loved one, divorce, job change, addiction recovery, dementia, to any current state of life into a new way of coping and living.
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled”.
You know me well Lord. My heart is troubled. What does this mean?
“You have faith in God; have faith also in me. “
When I walk with you Lord, I am unafraid. But you say you are going away. How will I ever cope?”
“In my Father and Mother’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?”
I believe you Lord. But I am weak and I am afraid. Take me with you, or take away the pain, please.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.”
I trust you, but why must I suffer until I am with you again? What does it mean… this continual longing to be fulfilled, this desire to be with you completely? Please… don’t leave me.
“Where I am going you know the way.”
You know I love you Lord, I will follow you. But if I get lost, who will show me the way? I don’t think I can do this. I will be all alone. Who will take care of me? I can’t do this.
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus, only you know the truth. I am but a human being that only knows doubts and fears. Teach me to open my mind, to trust that you love me unconditionally, that every day I awake, breathing heaven on earth, you are waiting just for me. Thank you for making me a beautiful, one-of-a-kind image of your Father and Mother. Send the Holy Spirit in others who love me too, who serve to remind me that you are holding a place for me in your embrace, where we shall all be one, in love with you, and with each other.
Amen.
Member of Creighton University Community
Since its inception in 1997, Online Ministries has been blessed to have myriad members of the Creighton University community offer their personal reflections on the daily scripture readings.
