Friday 16 May 2025 - The way, and the truth, and the life

Friday 16 May 2025

Today is Friday the 16th of May, in the 4th week of Eastertide.    The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing the Credo: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” As I start this prayer today, can I join in with this strong, almost exuberant expression of faith? Can I begin by declaring my faith in my God, my creator, my heavenly Father?  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.    John 14:1-6  ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, 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.  “Believe in God, believe also in me.” Sometimes, these words of Jesus can be easier said than done. Recall a moment when your belief in God was strong and consoling… let that moment come fully to life again now… where in your body does this belief seem to dwell?     ‘And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Imagine yourself in Thomas’ shoes for a moment… the first one to say, “actually, Lord, we don’t know where you’re going…” Do you ever say this to Jesus in your prayer life? Perhaps it can be difficult to understand Jesus’ plans and directions… What reply might you get if you were to say this to Jesus today?     As you listen again, notice where you feel consoled by Jesus’ words…  John 14:1-6  ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, 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.  ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ What might your prayer be as this reflection time comes to a close? Speak with Jesus, the one who is the way, the truth and the life, about anything that has stirred for you.  Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.   As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be  World without end  Amen