First Reading: Acts 13:26-33; Psalm: 2. R. v. 7bc; Gospel: Jn 14:1-6

JESUS IS THE WAY TO HEAVEN

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Jesus saw very clearly how tensed and scared his disciples were because of his imminent death and departure. He then said to them “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” These encouraging words of Jesus to his disciples were not just spoken to give them some sense of security or to calm their fears. But it was an absolute assurance. He was not leaving them orphans. He would come back for them.

Jesus wanted to be sure that his disciples knew what to do in order to be ready to follow him when he returns again to take them with him. And so he said “And you know the way where I am going” Thomas replied “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” In the response of Thomas, we can see that the disciples really wanted to follow Jesus but they do not even know how to. Jesus then said to them “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” Jesus therefore was the bridge to the Father. If they kept his words, they would follow where he was going.

The thought of the afterlife sometimes frightens us. The fear is usually in twofold. It is either we are scared of the thought “What if there is no heaven or hell?” and fear total extinction. Or we are scared of not making heaven if it really exists. As for the former, Jesus has cleared that doubt by assuring us that there is a home prepared for us beyond this earthly dwelling. So let us take that off our minds. Our primary and only concern should be the question “How ready am I to follow the words of Jesus which is the only way to the Father?” Heaven is real. It is our true home. Let us think wisely and order our lives accordingly.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, may our one and only desire be to be united with you in heaven. Amen.