4TH WEEK OF EASTER

Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of reading a mystery story is when all the clues finally come together and you wonder, “How could I have missed it?” Then when you read the story a second time, you can savor how tightly all the clues fit together. If only you could have seen it all the first time!

Imagine how the disciples must have felt in today’s Gospel. Jesus is making so many mysterious statements, and they just can’t piece it all together. But all that will change once they meet the risen Lord and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. All the clues will fall into place, and they will see Jesus—and their own lives—in a new and glorious way.

Something similar can happen to us as well. It can be hard to figure out what God is doing in our lives when we are in the middle of a difficult situation. Sometimes clarity comes only after the chaos has passed and we look back and reflect on the big picture.

But that doesn’t mean that we are left casting about for answers when we are in the midst of a challenge. When the disciples asked Jesus to explain what he meant, he replied, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). He told them to keep their hearts fixed on him in faith and trust, even when the way forward was obscured by pain or confusion. He told them that only he could help them make sense of all the chaos and suffering they were about to experience as they followed him to his passion and death. And he says the same thing to each of us, no matter what we are facing.

This weekend, take some time to look back over the past couple of months to see if you can discern a few more clues to whatever mystery you are puzzling through. Or maybe recall a challenge from a couple of years ago and ask the Spirit to give you new insights into how he was at work back then. And if, like the disciples, you still feel as if you “do not know” the way (John 14:5), cast your lot in with Jesus, the way and the truth and the life. Muster all the faith you can and trust that he will show you the answers at just the right time.

“Jesus, I believe that you are the way for me, no matter what!”

Acts 13:26-33
Psalm 2:6-11
John 14:1-6