Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter
“Do not let your hearts be troubled… I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (Jn 14:1,6)
Read Jesus’ words again… “Do not let your hearts be troubled… I am the way, the truth, and the life…” and again… and again… let it sink into your soul as you breathe in the comfort and the ease Jesus offers and breathe out tension, stress, fear, and anxiety. Throughout scripture, a variation of the phrase “do not be afraid” appears frequently in both the Old and New Testament. Today, in John’s Gospel it is paired with the reassurance that Jesus is preparing a place for us and that we know the way. Jesus is the way.
It seems so simple, yet I am relieved that even Jesus’ closest friends and disciples still had questions about where he was going and how they were supposed to get there on their own. They walked this earth and learned from Jesus in the flesh, and still experienced fear and anxiety, which certainly helps normalize my own questions and fears. Whether tragedy is halfway across the globe or in our own backyard, the very real feelings of fear and anxiety can be overwhelming. So what are we supposed to do? Today’s Gospel helps me remember to breathe, take one day at a time and focus only on the next best step. Even if we do not think we know the way, that’s okay. Actually, I think there are multiple ways. As Jesus says, “In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling places” (Jn 14:2). We understand that Jesus is THE way to his Father and to his Father’s house, but if there are many dwelling places, there are also many paths, twists, turns, and forks in the road. One fear that I’ve mostly overcome is this sense that there is only one single trajectory or path for my life and if I make the wrong decision and veer off this path, I am doomed forever. I find great comfort in the idea that there are many paths and that Jesus will provide the way, the truth, and the life no matter which path I follow, as long as I have faith in him and invite him to journey with me.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid. There is a place prepared for YOU. This is a consistent message from Jesus for us. So what are we afraid of?
Is Jesus truly our way, our truth, our life? Are we striving to think like Jesus, talk like Jesus, and act like Jesus? Perhaps today is the time to reflect on our commitment to discipleship. What has been the focus of our attention lately…at work, at home, at church, at social gatherings? What have our conversations been like…with our kids, partner, colleagues, friends, and neighbors? What have we prioritized when we have excess…time, money, food? Today, let us reset our lives to joy, peace, and presence, resting in Jesus, and sharing his great love within our communities.
Peace,
LeeAnn Meyer