Friday, April 26, 2024
Dwelling in Christ’s presence
An excerpt from John 14:1-3
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”
Reflection from Jack Alix, Trinity: As our Lord looked at these men, he knew what was going on in their minds and hearts, how disturbed and upset they were, and how their faith was being put to the test. Perhaps many of us are suffering from the same affliction as these disciples – troubled, fearful, upset, disturbed, and agitated because of our human condition. Our Lord knew that these men were afraid of what was coming, that they might be executed with Jesus. They knew they were in danger, and so their hearts were deeply perturbed.
But more than that physical danger to themselves, they were aware of Jesus’ words about leaving them. They were afraid that even though they might survive, they would have to go on living without him. They could bear to die with him; they could not bear to live or die without him. So, as he gathers with them, he gives these reassuring words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
Jesus wants us to trust him. He reassures us that even though he has gone before us, whoever follows him will have a place in his kingdom. He wants us to trust God who is in control, that he knows what he is doing, and who is capable of exercising infinite wisdom, power, and infinite love.
Photograph by Brian Loshbough, Trinity, Highland Park.
ADDITIONAL READINGS:
For further study and prayer, the readings assigned for today are:
• Psalm 2:6–13
• Acts 13:26–33
• John 14:1–6
MUSIC:
“Pilgrim’s Hymn”
by Stephen Paulus
“Even with darkness sealing us in,
We breathe your name.”
Tags: Easter to Pentecost 2024