In the prelude to Today’s Gospel, the setting is Jesus’ farewell address at his last supper with his disciples. Jesus has washed his disciples’ feet and has explained to them what this means (13:1-20). He has foretold his betrayal by Judas, and Judas has slipped out into the night (13:21-30). He has told his disciples that he will be with them only a little while longer, and that where he is going, they cannot come (13:33). He has also foretold Peter’s imminent denial (13:36-38).
Today’s Gospel begins with Jesus responding to the anxiety of his disciples by saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me” (14:1). Jesus calls them back to this fundamental relationship of trust and assures them that he is not abandoning them. Rather, he is returning to his Father, which is good news for them. In speaking of his ascension to the Father, Jesus assures his disciples that this is also their destination. There are many dwellings in his Father’s house, and he goes to prepare a place for them, so that they will be with him and dwell with him in his intimate relationship with the Father (14:2-3).
When Jesus says that they know the way to the place where he is going (14:4), Thomas, like most characters in the Gospel, takes Jesus quite literally. He wants directions, a road map to this place (14:5). Jesus responds by saying that he himself is the way: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (14:6).
John 14:1-14 emphasizes trust in Jesus, the promise of eternal life, and the assurance that Christ is the way to the Father.
Lessons Learned from John:
- Faith in Troubled Times: Believers are encouraged to trust in Christ’s presence and promises, even when circumstances are uncertain or painful.
- Hope of Eternal Life: The passage reassures Christians of a prepared place with God, offering comfort in the face of death or loss
- Christ-Centered Living: Following Jesus as the way, truth, and life calls for obedience, prayer, and reliance on his guidance in daily life.
- Empowered Ministry: Faith in Christ enables believers to participate in God’s work, continuing his mission through prayer and action.
The Collect
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Gospel – John 14:1-14
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”
How to celebrate the Fifth Sunday of Easter
Attend Mass & Pray for Vocations: Participate in the Eucharist and pray for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. This day highlights the need for dedicated, servant-hearted leaders in the Church.
Reflect on the Good Shepherd: Meditate on John 10:1-10, where Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. Focus on trusting in his guidance, protection, and care.
Read/Sing Psalm 23: Reflect on or sing “The Lord is My Shepherd” (Psalm 23) to celebrate the comfort, protection, and guidance provided by God.
Engage in “Sheep” Activities: Families can do activities like crafting sheep with cotton wool or decorating sheep drawings, especially during a Children’s Liturgy, to help children understand the theme of the day.
Practice Active Listening: Focus on discerning the voice of the Shepherd amid other distractions in life, acting as his followers by caring for others.
Connect with the Community: Focus on building a sense of belonging to the community of believers (the flock) and reaching out to those feeling lonely, reflecting the Shepherd’s care for each individual
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church 