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Friday of the Fourth week of Easter

Commentary of the day
Saint Ambrose (c.340-397), Bishop of Milan and Doctor of the Church
On Good and Evil, 12, 52-55; CSEL 32, 747-750 (copyright Friends of Henry Ashworth )

“The way, the truth, and the life”

Let us advance boldly towards our Redeemer Jesus; let us boldly join the assembly of the saints, the gathering of the righteous. For we shall go towards those who are our brothers and sisters, towards those who have instructed us in the faith… The Lord will be the light of all, and that “true light which enlightens everyone” (Jn 1:9) will shine for all. We shall go to where the Lord Jesus has prepared dwelling places for his servants, so that where he is, we might also be, for that is his will… And he tells us what he wants: “I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.” (Jn 14:3)…

He showed us the place and the way when he said: “You know the place where I am going, and you know the way.” The place is with the Father; the way is Christ, as he said himself: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Let us set out on this way, let us attach ourselves to the truth, let us follow the life. The way is what leads us, the truth is what strengthens us, the life is what gives itself of its own accord. And so that we might really understand what he wants, he adds further on: “Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory.” (Jn 17:24)

We will follow you, Lord Jesus. But in order for us to follow you, call us, because without you no one will ascend towards you. For you are the way, the truth, the life. You are also our help, our trust, our reward. Welcome those who belong to you, you who are the way; strengthen them, you who are the truth; give them life, you who are the life.