Thursday, April 13, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
John 14:1–14

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.

And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “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. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.

Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. (NRSV)

Reflection

In a few months I will drop off my son for his first year of college. I find myself anxiously wondering if I’ve taught him all the lessons he will need on this next part of his journey. It’s tempting to pepper him with instructions. Remember this. Attend to that. Never forget. Eighteen years doesn’t feel like nearly enough time for adequate preparation.

In my less anxious moments, I remember that what my children take with them is not just the last-minute instructions. Rather, there are a million moments that have led to this point. Their preparation includes countless conversations, joy-filled experiences, and quotidian daily tasks. What led to this moment are our intertwined lives spent in curiosity, laughter, forgiveness, frustration, celebration, and sadness. As my children embark on the next part, I trust the strong foundation of their family’s love.

This passage in John lands differently for me now than it has in the past. I imagine Jesus preparing the disciples. The quotable instructions read like an executive summary. Thomas and Philip ask questions as if preparing for a final exam. But Jesus’ answers reinforce what he has told them and showed them over their years together. I’m certain that it didn’t feel like there had been enough preparation time. I imagine Jesus gently asking them to recall all the teaching and experiences. “Remember, you will always be with me. If you want to know God’s heart, remember our time together. Ask me anything my beloveds. Now it’s time for your part of the journey. Trust the strong foundation of God’s love.”

Prayer

Loving God, remind me of your presence in this journey of faith. The foundation of it all is your unwavering love. Now strengthen me to build on that foundation to bring about your kingdom. Amen.

Written by Andrea Denney, Executive Director of Operational Ministries

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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