TODAYS REFLECTION 4TH WEEK OF EASTER FRI APRIL 22

TODAYS REFLECTION 4TH WEEK OF EASTER  FRI APRIL 22 ( Acts 13 26-33, Jn 14:1-6 )

#JESUSGOESTOPREPAREFORUSTHEWAYTOTHEFATHER#

Friends in todays gospel, Jesus knew his disciples would have to face trials and persecution after he left them to return to his Father in heaven. Jesus tells his disciples that he is going ahead through his ascension into heaven to prepare a place for them in his Father's house - a place of lasting peace, friendship, and happiness with God. God's house is never closed nor over-crowded - there is plenty of room for everyone who believes in God and in his beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus expected his disciples to know where his life was headed - to dwell in everlasting glory with his Father in heaven. And he expected that his disciples would recognize that this was their ultimate destination as well. Thomas, who was both a doubter and a realist, spoke for all the disciples when he said, "we neither know where you are going nor how we shall get there on our own?" Thomas was a very practical "down to earth" kind of person who wanted to see the map and landmarks showing the exact path that would lead the way to the desired heaven.

Reflecting on this image of Heaven should also console those who have lost a loved one. The experience of saying goodbye, for now, is very difficult. Let us reflect, today, upon this image of Heaven, our Father's House. Sit with that image and let God speak to us. As we do that, let our hearts be drawn to Heaven so that this desire will help to direct our actions here and now. May we put our trust in Jesus who stated unequivocally to his disciples: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (Jn 14:6) bearing in mind that He will surely lead us to the father. Wishing you a blessed weekend.