John 14:1-6

Acts 13:26-33

Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab

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.”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, I want to dwell in your house all the days of my life. Your house is one of eternal peace and joy, where sin and death are no more, and where every tear is wiped away. Help to experience that peace and joy even now as I journey home.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Faithful Hearts: At the Last Supper, Jesus speaks about our hearts. On the one hand, he exhorts us that we should not let our hearts give in to fear or anxiety. In fact, one of the principal missions of Jesus was to free us from the fear of death. Adam and Eve, our first parents, rejected God’s plan and will and introduced the fear of death into their lives and our lives. When Jesus was raised from the dead, he showed us that we have no need to fear death. Therefore, when one of our loved ones dies, we have the confidence that they will live on and encounter our merciful Father. Having been baptized into the death of Christ, we have hope that they will rise with Christ. Faith is not just an act of our intellect. It is an act of personal entrustment to God. In faith, we give all that we are over to God, our Father, our Savior, and our Sanctifier.

2. The Father’s House: One of the most powerful images of heaven is that of a house with many rooms or dwelling places. Many of us can be impressed by a royal palace with over one hundred rooms or a multi-million dollar mansion. The heavenly palace that awaits us infinitely surpasses any earthly mansion or palace: “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” The best of home life is characterized by servicial love, tasty food and desserts, fun times and games, sacrificing for others, good conversation, gift-giving, rest, and relaxation. All of those earthly blessings are nothing compared to the blessings of heaven. Love is imperfect here on earth and will be brought to perfection in heaven. Earthly food is nothing compared to communion with God at the heavenly banquet. Any excitement we have through fun and games and competition is nothing compared to the ecstasy of heaven. No earthly conversation can compare to seeing all things through the divine essence. No earthly gift can compare to the beauty and crown of glory. No earthly rest or weekend, or retirement can compare to the eternal rest of sharing in divine life.

3. Jesus, the Way: Jesus encourages his disciples with the words, “You know the way.” While some religions proclaim a way to enlightenment, Jesus is more radical and proclaims that he himself is the Way. In the Old Testament, Abram followed the way marked out by God to the Promised Land; the people of Israel followed the way from Egypt through the wilderness to the Promised Land; and the people of Judah returned along the way from Babylon to Jerusalem. All of these were images and symbols that pointed to the future Way. Just as Abram heeded the word of God and walked along the way, we are called to heed God’s Word. Just as the people of Israel followed the cloud and pillar of fire in the wilderness, we are called to follow the cloud and fire of the Spirit in the wilderness of our lives. And just as the people of Judah were freed from captivity and returned home from exile, we are called to enjoy the freedom of the children of God, be freed from the captivity of sin, and dwell in our heavenly home.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I want to dwell with you in the Father’s house all the days of my life. You have prepared a place for me, and I look forward to the eternal gathering of God’s family in heaven. May my thoughts turn often to this heavenly dwelling as I journey through this world!

Living the Word of God: Gathering together as a family is often, but not always, a time of joy, love, and feasting. However, much joy and happiness we experience is a drop of water compared to the ocean of happiness that is heaven. How can I cultivate this longing for heaven among my family members and in my daily life?