May 3 Sun
Today’s Gospel develops three concepts: Heaven, the way to get there, and why it is so.
HEAVEN. Jesus announced his imminent departure and told the disciples to remain in the world. He was leaving them in the hands of their enemies without having accomplished the promised establishment of the Messianic Kingdom. Jesus comforts them: "Do not be afraid.”
The reason for this serenity should be confidence in God and in Him. If you believe in God, believe also in me.
Then He continued pointing out to them the great gifts that He had prepared for them in heaven. Perhaps they thought they would never be again in the company of Jesus or that only Peter could be there.
Jesus rectifies and says in the house of my Father, there are many dwellings, for them and for many others: the multitude of people who will follow Jesus.
THE WAY TO GET THERE. Thomas asked, Lord, we do not know where you go; how can we find the way? There is in this question a desire to know, but at the same time, the fear and sadness of the apostle. He understood the words of Jesus materially.
Jesus answered with the threefold definition of himself: I am the way, the truth, and the life. Thus, the way is not just a material road to go to a geographic place. Jesus is the way and only through him, a person can pass from sin to grace, from earth to heaven. We must achieve this through his doctrine, the sacraments, and by imitating his example.
WHY IS IT SO? Philip is amazed that Jesus declared that they have seen their Father. He understood the words of the Lord in the sense of a corporal vision, not understanding that Jesus spoke of a spiritual vision through faith, not in the way that some prophets received the vision of God, like Moses in Sinai or Isaiah.
Now Phillip is asking, Lord, show us the Father.
Jesus reprimanded him because of his slowness to understand. For three years, you have been dealing with me, and still, you do not understand?
Jesus indicated the unity of nature with his Father and their personal distinction. If the Father and I are the same thing, how is it possible that you don’t see the Father in me?
Jesus clarified his thought, changing the expression he used earlier, to see, with to ‘believe.’ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me?
“God did not create us to build a lasting city here on earth, because this world is the way to that other, a dwelling-place free from care. Nevertheless, we, children of God, should not remain aloof from earthly endeavors, for God has placed us here to sanctify them and make them fruitful with our blessed faith, which alone is capable of bringing true peace and joy to all men wherever they may be.”
We must serve God on earth with our eyes on heaven.