Tag: Path

This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.

Jesus pronounces consoling words in today’s gospel.

He is preparing a place for us; there are many mansions in His Father’s house. There is no shortage, whereby we need to compete for a place.

Those of us who are realistic about the path of salvation know that it is a narrow one, and difficult to follow, per Jesus’ own words (cf. Mt. 7:14). Many, perhaps per Jesus’ words the majority, do not find it. Thomas seems a little anxious about this today in the gospel: “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” 

But then Jesus gives us one of His most consoling utterances in the whole Gospel, because it is made in the context of a discussion of the path of salvation: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

We all know that we can gravely sin and thereby choose eternal condemnation and suffering. This can seem terrifyingly possible at times. But is immensely consoling to know too that as long as we cling actively to Jesus, who is the Way, He will not allow us to go astray or make choices for our own condemnation.

Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Tell Jesus about your greatest fears regarding eternal life, both for you and for your loved ones. Then, give these fears completely to Jesus, and tell Him you trust Him to keep you on the path that you want to be on.