In my father's house
Published Apr 30, 2021 12:12 am
REFLECTIONS TODAY
As the passion of Jesus approaches, the disciples are distressed at the prospect of seeing him no more. Jesus assures them that his going away is necessary, because he is going to prepare a place for them in heaven, in God’s dwelling. Using a metaphor, Jesus likens this place of happiness as having “many dwelling places,” where there is room for everyone. There they will be “at home” with God and with Jesus himself. Heaven is the place where we see God as he is, “face to face” (1 Jn 3:2; Rv 22:4), and enjoy the communion with the divine Trinity, the angels, and saints. Paul describes it as eternal bliss, yet beyond description: the “ineffable things, which no one may utter” (2 Cor 12:4). In another place, he speaks of what awaits us in heaven: “What eye has not seen, and the ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor 2:9).
GOSPEL • JOHN 14:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, 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.”
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
As the passion of Jesus approaches, the disciples are distressed at the prospect of seeing him no more. Jesus assures them that his going away is necessary, because he is going to prepare a place for them in heaven, in God’s dwelling. Using a metaphor, Jesus likens this place of happiness as having “many dwelling places,” where there is room for everyone. There they will be “at home” with God and with Jesus himself. Heaven is the place where we see God as he is, “face to face” (1 Jn 3:2; Rv 22:4), and enjoy the communion with the divine Trinity, the angels, and saints. Paul describes it as eternal bliss, yet beyond description: the “ineffable things, which no one may utter” (2 Cor 12:4). In another place, he speaks of what awaits us in heaven: “What eye has not seen, and the ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor 2:9).
GOSPEL • JOHN 14:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, 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.”
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.