REFLECTIONS TODAY
The Greek term monai (singular, mone), here rendered as “dwelling places,” is related to the verb menein, which means “to stay, remain, or abide with.” By mone, John refers to the place (state or situation) where the disciples can abide with the Father and with Jesus. “Dwelling places” is a type of Jewish imagery, which refers to the destination of the holy and the just. In the New Testament, it is equivalent to the eternal habitation, heaven or the Kingdom of the Father. “Many” means that there are enough dwelling places for all. Heaven is our eternal destination. It is there that Jesus awaits us, having prepared a place for us. We, therefore, are to fix our sight on this eternal goal. Our life then will have real meaning and purpose. Life on earth is only temporary, even a passage to a permanent one. “Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the one that is to come” (Heb 13:14). Citizenship or belonging to a particular country is important for a person’s survival and happiness. Let us not forget that our true citizenship is in heaven.
FIRST READING • Acts 13:26-33
When Paul came to Antioch in Pisidia, he said in the synagogue: “My brothers, children of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent. The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after sabbath. For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him put to death, and when they had accomplished all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are now his witnesses before the people. We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our fathers he has brought to fulfillment for us, their children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm, You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.”
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 2023,” St. Paul’s, 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.