May 8, 2009 (Friday)

Gospel Reading: Jn 14:1-6

I am the way and the truth and the life. This was the answer of Jesus to Thomas when he asked the Lord how they can know the way if they do not know where Jesus is going.

Like Thomas, most of us would have to know first the destination before we can take the step towards it. If we know where we are going, we can better plan for the journey and thus know how to get ourselves there. Knowing also where we are headed to, somehow gives us a sense of control.

And yet Jesus told Thomas, "I am the way." Jesus is the way. To get to the destination, we have to follow Jesus. But how do we follow him? Do we just follow behind him? What if in the course of our following, we get distracted along the way and lose sight of him?

Following Jesus is not as rigid as following at his heels. What Jesus is offering is a map. Where X marks the spot where he wants to bring us. We are free to move around, travel at our own pace. Jesus opened up for us so many options, so many ways of getting there. There is No one way. He knows that each of us is unique, each is different. Some may want to travel light, some may want to enjoy the scenery, some may want to get there fast, some may like the adventure of traversing a rough road. Yet, all roads lead to the X spot. There is no assurance though that there will be no obstacle along the road. Constantly, we should refer to the map that Jesus had left us to know what other road to take just in case we find ourselves lost. Many have used that map. The disciples who went before us traversed different ways so it is consolation for us that whatever road we take, there will be clues, tracks that we can follow as well. Some even have left their own pathways.

I am the Truth. When Jesus answered Thomas, he did not just say how to get there but he also assured him that he is the truth. Whatever he revealed about himself is truth. It is an invitation to trust him that as we follow him we are also being led to the Father: "No one comes to the Father except through me."

I am the Life. Lastly, Jesus does not just point the way to the Father, he is not just the "way" to the Father. But he is also the destination. The destination where he wants to bring us all to is life. Life with God. As the Father is in him, He is also in the Father. Where he is going and where we are being invited to is a share in the life of God. The life of our Trinitarian God. The life of communion.

The invitation of these words by Jesus, "I am the way and the truth and the life" is an invitation to journey with Christ, an invitation to trust him that he is leading us to a life with God. It is also an invitation to start living this life with him. The map that he has left us is his very own life, his very own teachings, his very own person.

Now ask yourself,

Do you know how to use this map that Jesus had left you?

Have you ever used this map before? How would you like to use this map?

Is your "you are here" sign near or far from the X spot?

Are you happy where you are now?