JESUS COMFORTS HIS DISCIPLES
The gospel for today is based on John 14, which is separated into two sections: John 14:1–14: Preparation for Christ’s Departure and John 14:15–31: Preparation for the Spirit. But our focus is on the first section (John 14:1–12) in which Jesus comforts his disciples before departing from them. Let’s examine the numerous ways Jesus comforted them. (Wait a minute, it’s a long read but you will find it interesting and inspiring)
1. Let not your heart be troubled (John 14:1): Jesus gives a command to calm the troubled hearts of his disciples. The disciples were troubled because of the death of Jesus and it’s concomitant conflicts. Oftentimes we are troubled at the loss of a bread winner or a beloved one, especially when there are controversies around such deaths. And so, Jesus comforts them saying “do not let your heart be troubled…” As we go through this dark moment of our existence; Jesus offers us the very consolation he gave to the Apostles. I know that there are many things troubling you now but be strong and have peace Jesus is still on the throne. Jesus knows there are troubles in this life (John16:33) but He promised that we could have an untroubled heart.
2. Those who are troubled are anxious. Anxiety is one of the worst enemies of man. Anxiety Disorders are the most common mental illness across many nations of the world today. It shows in excessive nervousness, indecisiveness, and unrest. Anxiety disorder can be generalized, social, separation, obsessive compulsive disorder etc. However it exhibits, it completely interferes with one’s daily peace and activities. Beloved, take life easy; it has no spare. 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Phil. 4:6-7 says “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Rather than being anxious have faith and pray. Faith is a means to overcome the world (John 16:33).
3. Jesus says “… believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1). Go over this again and again. You will get to see that Jesus desire is that we should believe in him. This is an invitation to look at our faith again. Do we actually believe in Jesus or we are just playing and praying along. In the above words, Jesus wants us to examine our faith. Is your faith strong or weak?
4. Jesus gives a clue of heaven. He says “In my Father’s house there are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2). There are many implications as to these rooms; one of the translations made use of mansions which means “dwelling places” however, it can simply mean that in God there are many opportunities and possibilities. So in the first reading; Acts 6:1-7 some men were devoted to prayers and others to the sharing of food to aid peaceful co-existence. In God there are many possibilities; do not be discouraged about any crisis at all; discern well and see the room for change and improvement. Even though men may shut their doors at you. In heaven you will never be shut out. The second reading says “Jesus is the living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him” (1Peter 2:4). Beloved, you are precious in the eyes of God and there are many rooms for you.
5. Jesus mission in heaven: Jesus says “…If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2). “Cohabitation with Jesus requires preparation. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. People prepare for a lot of things; physical and material; matriculation, birthdays, marriages, ordination and the likes. Essentially, let us prepare for heaven so that the D-Day whenever it comes will not be a shock to us. If we prepare adequately, we shall not be shut out.
6. Jesus comforts them further saying ” … I shall come again and take you to myself, that where I am there you also will be”(John 14:3). Even though Jesus was about leaving them, he assured them of his return. Beloved, Christ Second coming is real! This second coming of Jesus Christ is a fact of faith every Christian teaching and preaching must emphasize. And Jesus wants us to be with him. Heaven is that place where we will always be with Jesus. Numbers 1023 and 1024 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness”. This is why we were created, to be with him in this world, and to be happy with him forever in the next. These are strong words of consolation and comforts. No matter what it is now, I am consoled that I shall be with him forever.
7. Thomas questions about the way; Thomas said, “Lord we do not know where you are going. How cam we know the way? Jesus says ‘I am the way the truth and the life'” (John 14:5-6).Today there are many ways: the way of lust, the way of drugs, the way of quick money, the ways of divination, the ways of prophecies and prophets, the ways of other religions and gods; the ways of enchantment, the ways of black magic, and many other ungodly ways. Prov. 14:12 warns that there is a way that seem right onto a man but the end is death. Jesus is the way, that is right, and the end of that way is eternal life.
8. Philip’s question about the Father; Philip asked Jesus, “Lord show us the Father and that is enough for us. Jesus said to him, “What! I have been with you so long and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say show us the Father? (John 14: 8-9). Philip could be any of us; it is very much possible to be in the Church for years without knowing who Jesus is. This explains why some persons can still deviate from the faith even after years of practicing the faith. Beloved, like every other relationship, our relationship with Jesus grows depending on the time, commitment and attention given to Jesus.
9. Jesus draws us into his divine family: He says “I am in the Father and the Father is in me (John 14:11) and I in you (John 14:20). Beloved, God dwells in us, so we have to be mindful of the things we do and say. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own” (1Cor. 6:19). Verse 20 adds “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
LET US PRAY
Almighty ever-living God, constantly accomplish the Paschal Mystery within us, that those you were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism may, under your protective care, bear much fruit and come to the joys of life eternal. Amen.
Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 32; 1Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
