John 14:1-12
We have heard today’s Gospel text over the course of the week in our weekday liturgy. So I come to the text with a little more familiarity than usual. The opening words set a tone of comfort:
Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God still, and trust in me.
There are many rooms in my Father’s house;
if there were not, I should have told you.
The first words are simple. Their meaning is clear. I hear this addressed to me and my situation. And then the imagery opens out. I see vast corridors, doors ajar, beautiful rooms, light flooding through. My thoughts turn to the mystery of what happens when we die.
These words of comfort and assurance are spoken on the eve of Jesus’ passion. The disciples have every reason to be troubled. Jesus urges them onwards:
I tell you most solemnly, whoever believes in me
will perform the same works as I do myself,
he will perform even greater works,
because I am going to the Father.
I hear these words addressed to me. I allow Jesus’ promise to take hold.
Today, this week, this month, this year- can I be open to what is asked of me?