Daily Gospel Reflection for May 1, 2015

Today's Gospel: John 14:1-6

Optional Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker

When I was a child, I used to imagine heaven as an enormous, sparkling castle in the sky filled with countless rooms. Each of the richly decorated rooms had tall ceilings with ornately carved arched doorways and beautiful crystal windows that allowed the heavenly light to flood in. I am sure that, somewhere in my childhood, I was influenced by this beautiful and comforting scripture passage that speaks of “many rooms in my Father’s house.” Now that I am a wife and a mom, I have come to realize that this gospel speaks not so much to our imagination, but to our heart, for Jesus assures us that he will not forget about us. This statement reveals the unconditional love that Jesus has for each one us. Jesus tells us that no matter where we are, or what we are doing, when our “room” is ready, he will come for us and take us home. In the scripture passage, Thomas questions Jesus on how to find the way to the Father’s house; Jesus responds that “He is way, the truth and the life.” The roadmap to heaven should be programmed into all of our spiritual GPSs. Jesus calls us to love God and one another. If we follow the teachings of Jesus each day in this life, we will experience the joy of eternal life in the wonderful place that has been prepared for us in the heavenly kingdom of his Father.

Ponder:

How do you envision heaven? In what ways does this gospel passage bring hope to all who grieve?

Pray:

Lord God,
Your love for your people is unconditional.
Pour out your spirit upon us that
we hear your voice and follow the
path that leads us home to you.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Dr. Mary Amore