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Our Gaze Fixed on Christ

| SPIRITUAL LIFE

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Father Steven Reilly, LC

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."

Introductory Prayer: Father, how empty is the life that doesn’t know the joy of Jesus your Son. I have come to this prayer today to know you and your Son better, to love you more and to imitate your perfections. Thank you for this time of prayer.

Petition: Lord Jesus, grant me a greater intensity in my relationship with you, the Way, the Truth and the Life!

1. Follow Me, I Am the Way: Remember the olden days, when you would stop in a gas station and ask directions? “Follow me” was the easiest way to give directions. Something like that is happening in the Gospel today. To Thomas’ question, “How can we know the way?” Jesus gives himself as the answer. We know the way with infallible precision. A personal and passionate relationship with Christ is the sure way through this confusing world. Let us keep our relationship with Jesus always on our spiritual GPS. Whenever we have a doubt, we should ask ourselves, “How would Jesus act in this situation? What is the path he would follow?”

2. Believe in Me, I Am the Truth: Jesus gives his followers a truth so rock solid, that nothing can shake them. Just as he is the Way, he is also the Truth. “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved” (Acts 4:12). With the Truth of Jesus, we have the answer to basically any question we need to ask. What a comfort it is to have Jesus as the Truth in this world of jaded souls and in this climate of relativism.

3. Come to Me, I Am the Life: “He’s the life of the party” is a compliment of high regard in certain circles. He’s the spark plug, the guarantee for an entertaining evening. If he’s not there, a deflated feeling hangs in the air and everybody wonders if there isn’t a better way to be spending their time. A life lived with Jesus is never dull. He is the “Life” of more than just a party. The Christian with an intense relationship with Christ is completely fulfilled — he is never bored, nor is he boring.

Conversation with Christ: Lord, you are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I thank you for giving me the great grace of my Catholic faith. Help me to share with others the immense joy of this personal relationship you have given me.

Resolution: I will speak to someone today about having a personal relationship with Christ.

Let nothing keep you from His peace

Do you allow any troubles to rob you of God’s peace? As much as we try to avoid it, we all inevitably encounter troubles and difficulties, and sometimes more than we think we can handle! Jesus knew his disciples would have to face adversity and trials after he left them to return to his Father. Jesus assured them that his departure is for their good, in order to secure a place for them in God’s house – a place of refuge, peace, and everlasting happiness. The Lord Jesus assures us of a safe passage to our true home in heaven with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

If heaven is our destination, how can we be sure we know the way without some kind of map or guide? The scriptures speak of the way we should go. “You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Youshall walk in all the way which the Lord your God has commanded you” (Deuteronomy 5:32-33). “And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not pass over it, and fools shall not err therein” (Isaiah). Teach me your way, O Lord; and lead me on a level path” (Psalm 27:11). Jesus proclaims: “I am the Way.” The Lord Jesus does not simply give advice and direction. He personally is the way, and we cannot miss it. He leads and guides us personally every day. The Lord Jesus also is the Truth. Many can say, “I have taught you the truth.” Only Jesus can say, I am the Truth. Moral truth cannot be conveyed in words alone; it must be conveyed in example. Jesus embodies the truth in his person. Jesus also is the Life. He not only shows us the path of life (Psalm 16:11); he gives the kind of life which only God can give — eternal life. Is there any fear or trouble which keeps you from the perfect peace and happiness of a life surrendered to Christ?

Reflection written by Don Schwager of www.rc.net