We have Reservations!

Readings for Friday April 30, 2010

First Reading: Acts 13:26-33
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 2
Gospel: John 14:1-6


Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, 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.” (Jn 14:1-6)

Imagine one of your friends has reserved a reservation for you at one of the best restaurants in town. Your friend has been there several times, and you have always wanted to dine at this restaurant, but have never been able to get a reservation. There is one problem however, you have never been to this restaurant and are not sure how to get there. And to make matters difficult, you cannot find directions online and your GPS is broken. How would you get to the restaurant? Wouldn't you ask your friend if you could follow them since they know the way?

Jesus tells His disciples that He has set reservations for them in heaven. He tells them not to be troubled because they have a place prepared for them, and when Jesus comes back He will take them with Him. He tells them that they know the way to where He is going, but they are confused, and Thomas speaks up saying; "Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" This is where Jesus makes it clear to the disciples and to us the way to heaven when He responds; "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Like the disciples, Jesus has prepared a place and set reservations for us in heaven. But a reservation means nothing unless you are willing to show up. If we want to show up for our reservation, then we need to be willing to follow Christ in this life. For He is the way, He is the truth, and He is the life; may we surrender our life to Him, so that we might gain the eternal reward.

Don't we all want to hear the words of our maker when He calls us up; "Mr/Ms _____, your place is ready."

May God bless you and the rest of your day!

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Thank you for all that you have blessed us with in this life. Lord thank you for giving us a way to heaven help us to have the courage to persevere through this life. We pray for all of our priests, that they may be strengthened in their ministries and in their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.