Cycle A - Year II:  

18 May 2014: Fifth Sunday of Easter 

(Liturgical color: White)

John 14:1-12

Jesus, our Way to the Father!

In the last presidential election, the political slogan of "matuwid na daan" (which may be translated as "straight path") easily caught fire. That seemed to be the magic mantra that earned the peoples' votes for the present administration. Probably because our people were hungry for good governance.

But nearing the end of the present administration, people are still asking what direction are we heading as a nation? And even worse, not a few ask where exactly is the promised "matuwid na daan"?  It's sad.

The Good News in the Gospel this Sunday is a timely reminder not only about the right path in our earthly journey but most importantly the way to our final destiny.

For those who believe that heaven is our final destination, how then can we be sure that we know the way to it without some kind of map or guide? Well, perhaps we can easily refer to the Scriptures which speak of the way we should  go.

Jesus proclaims: "I am the way..." to the Father (Jn 14:6). It means that our Lord Jesus does not simply give us advice and direction, but He personally is the Way to the Father. We cannot miss it. Because Jesus also says, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (Jn 14:9).

Why is the Father known in Jesus? This is because Jesus reflects the Father perfectly, like (in human language) a mirror image can be said to reflect the original subject.

Thus, we can say then that the only way to experience and encounter God, who is divine, is through the very humanity of Jesus Christ himself. Because by virtue of being God's perfect image, Jesus indwells in the Father and the Father in Jesus.

Jesus also tells his disciples that He is the Truth and the Life. Because Jesus embodies the truth in his very person. And He not only shows us the right path of life, He gives us the kind of life which only God can give, and that is eternal life with the Father.

In practical life, we ought to journey to the Father's house by following Jesus, to walk Jesus' way, to live like He did, surrendering ourselves totally to the will of the Father. And that is our real challenge, to dedicate our lives to love and serve others, including bearing our own crosses daily, enduring suffering for the kingdom, and even offering our very lives for the love of God, if need be.

Are we ready to walk the Way of Jesus, to follow the straight path to God's kingdom?

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!