Daily Reflection for Friday, May 13 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners!
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051322.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Acts 13:26-33
Responsorial: Psalm 2:6-7,8-9,10-11ab
Gospel: John 14:1-6
Our reflection on Friday’s readings:
“I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” John 14:3
In John’s gospel, the extensive teaching from Jesus to his disciples during the Last Supper is described over five chapters (John 13-17). Many of the messages He delivered that night were confusing to the disciples because they did not yet know what was going to happen in the coming hours and days. It seems to me He was taking the opportunity – the last time they would all be together – to summarize His key messages and foreshadow the future.
Today’s gospel is taken from the account of that evening. It is a simple, yet powerful message: have faith in me and I will bring you to be with me. This is one of our essential beliefs: that this life on earth is not all there is, that our destiny is to return to God who made us and dwell within His house forever.
My father died in January. In the 90 years my dad was in this earthly life, he overcame many challenges, worked hard, was responsible and independent, was a faithful and loving husband, was a caring and devoted father and grandfather, and gave generously of his time, talent and treasure. For my dad, his Catholic faith – including his belief that there was something greater than this life – was an anchor and a cornerstone around which he based his choices and decisions. My dad never talked much about his faith, just as he never talked much about his feelings, but anyone who knew him, knew that his faith was central to who he was. He lived his faith.
And because of how he lived, I have great confidence that my father is now in the dwelling place prepared for him by Christ Jesus. A dear friend of mine recently lost her mother, and as we reflected on our common grief, we both expressed how we could not imagine how hard it would be to say goodbye to a loved one if you did not believe that there was something more, something better, to follow. We are consoled in our grief by our faith, knowing that those we love are born into new life when they leave this world.
As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, we rejoice that the words and example of Jesus, and His resurrection, show us the way to our eternal dwelling place.
Peace and love,
Andra Liepa