We always run the risk of becoming too familiar with the Holy Word of God. That is, we hear some passages so often that we assume we “know” what they mean – to the point of closing our eyes, ears, and minds to a new way that they might speak to us. How many of us have said, even when encountering words from the Bible, “Oh, I’ve heard that before?” Well, this weekend’s Gospel (John 14, 1-12) is a classic example of this.
Let’s not lose sight of the fact that Jesus took three of the great basic concepts of the Jewish religion and made the unique claim that, in Him, all the three found their full realization. That He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” means that He alone is the surest way to God. He alone, Son of God and Son of Man, can authoritatively and flawlessly teach us the truth about God, and He alone can give God’s life to us.
St. John’s Gospel has a central message: Jesus is both the Revealer and the Revelation of God. If we wish to know who God is, what God thinks, where God abides, and what God wants of us, we must pay close attention to Jesus – the Word of God.
The Jesus of the Gospel does not only show us the way – His life of humble and generous service is the way. He does not just philosophize about a concept of truth – He is the perfect Revelation of the truth about the God of enduring and unlimited love for His people. He is not just a preacher of futuristic promises – He has been raised up by God in order to invite us to share fully in the very life of God.
In embracing the spirit of the Gospel and living in the hope of His Word, we encounter, in Christ, God Himself. Please, let us pray that we never become “too familiar” with such a notion, but remain open always to what it might mean for us and our world. Let us continue to walk together along His Way.
