May 22, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

There are many times in life when all is well, but today’s reading isn’t really so germane during those times. It’s when we are despairing that the words, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith in me as well. In God’s house there are many dwelling-places,” bring hope. When we fail, when we fear, when we fall, we hear that there is a place for us; that God’s tent is very big indeed. I recently watched one of the Toy Story movies and was struck by the words of the theme song, “You’ve got a friend in me.” Isn’t that a wonderful metaphor for God (not perfect, but wonderful)? Or the song “You’ve Got A Friend” by Carole King. Michael J. Himes writes that the core sin is not pride but despair, and when I am in danger of falling into despair, these words from the Gospel of John are a comfort and a source of hope.

Namaste! Amen!

The Readings

John 14:1-12

‘Don’t let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith in me as well. In God’s house there are many dwelling-places; otherwise, how could I have told you that I was going to prepare a place for you? I am indeed going to prepare a place for you, and then I will come back to take you with me, that where I am, there you may be as well. You know the way that leads to where I am going.’ Thomas replied, ‘But we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus told him, ‘I myself am the Way – I am Truth, and I am Life. No one comes to Abba God but through me. If you really knew me, you would know Abba God also. From this point on you know Abba God and you have seen God.’

“Rabbi,” Philip said, “show us Abba God, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and still you don’t know me? Whoever has seen me has seen Abba God. How can you say, “Show us your Abba?” Don’t you believe that I am in Abba God and God is in me? The words I speak are not spoken of myself; it is Abba God living in me, who is accomplishing the works of God. Believe me that I am in God and God is in me, or else believe because of the works I do. The truth of the matter is, anyone who has faith in me will do the works I do – and greater works besides. Why? Because I go to Abba God.

The reading translation is from The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation (New York: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2007).