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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,” which modifies it, does not refer to the different degrees of heavenly perfection, that is, to lower or higher places in heaven. It simply 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. And yet, in the Gospel of John, we feel the tension of the “already” and the “not yet.”
Eternal life is already a reality on this earth if we “abide with” Jesus, taking from him our source and nourishment. If we remain with him, like branches with the vine, then we bear much fruit (Jn 15:5). Our life will have real meaning and purpose.
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: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.