The Last Supper
Today’s Gospel lets us know the kind of God we’ve got. This is the last meal that Jesus will have with his disciples. Within 24 hours, he will be dead. He is concerned about what his departure will mean for them. He tells them not to be troubled and tries to reassure them. It is in this caring, concerned attitude that we learn a lot about God.
For example, Jesus says that in his Father’s house there are many dwelling places, and he is going to prepare a swelling place for them. To hear Jesus speak in these terms reveals a very understanding and very real kind of God.
He could have spoken in abstract concepts, saying that in the Kingdom we experience eschatological wholeness and bliss. But he didn’t. He simple said that his Father has lots of dwelling places, and they are good ones, and he will prepare one for us. That means a lot.
Then Thomas wanted to know the way. Now if you asked someone about a way of life, they would probably refer you to systems, or books, or principles, or teachings. Jesus didn’t. He said, “Look, Thomas…I am the way.” It is that simple. We simple relate to Jesus as a person and know that He is the way. That reveals to me a very personal God.
Finally, Philip wants to know more about God so he asks about the Father. We have these same questions about God – how he can be all good and yet allow evil in the world? We wonder about his silence when we pray and ask for things. However, Jesus says to Philip, “Philip, you want to know what the Father is like, well, you’ve gotten to know me. Do you remember the way I treated little children? Do you remember the time I healed the leper by reaching out and touching him? Remember all those good times and tough times we had together? Well, I’m in the Father and the Father is in me.
If you want to know what God is like, look at me.”
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