The Way
The excitement of the disciples’ when they entered Jerusalem would have been so shattered during the last supper with news that Jesus was ‘leaving’ them; that one of their own was to betray their master; and that their leader was to deny Jesus three times. It would not be difficult to imagine that they felt lost and in despair when they heard all that bad news. Nowadays, it is so easy to feel lost and desperate – what with all the chaos and confusion that is happening the world over.
To the disciples, back then, and so much so to us nowadays, the words of our Lord in today’s gospel offers solace and guidance. ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me.’ (John 14:1) Our Lord is reminding us that no matter how difficult times may be, trust in Him, do not worry, and all will be well. ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.’ (Proverbs 3:5-6) Our Lord goes on to assure us that he is preparing a place for all of us in the Kingdom of God; and that we know the way, and the way to God is through him. Yet, at times, we try to “have a go at it” and make it on our own. Why? To paraphrase a popular song in the Philippines, we forget that our Lord won’t give us what we can’t bear.
Instead, the Lord gives us all that we need to be with him in God’s Kingdom. On the cross, he gave us his holy mother. By our holy mother, we are led to our Lord; and through our Lord we are led to God the Father. On Pentecost, he gave us the Holy Spirit. By the Holy Spirt we are led and empowered to spread his gospel of love and salvation for all. ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’ (John 14:6) We can never be lost with our Lord.
Randy Reyes
Parish Pastoral Council Chair
