05102020 – John 14. 1-14 (Mother’s Day Weekend) – Easter 5
The disciples were DISTRAUGHT.
It seems to me they are portrayed as being OFTEN “confused and anxious.”
They were “constantly concerned” about “way too many things…”
THEREFORE, they easily became “distracted, flustered, and worried,” DOES THIS SOUND LIKE anybody WE KNOW?
So, Jesus’ first WORDS to them are “DO NOT WORRY!”
And of course, we know, “EASIER SAID than DONE,” right?
Massive unemployment. Not Good. Businesses shut down and struggling. Not Good. Churches closed. Not Good.
Covid 19 still ravaging its way through our state and through many other states. Not Good. People continuing to die from COVID. Not Good. Now they are talking about, “murdering hornets.” Not Good. Meat shortages. Not Good. People are still hoarding. Not Good. And there is and has been talk about a “SECOND WAVE.” Again, Not Good. When will it ever end?
It is all VERY CRAZY and VERY DISCONCERTING – a vastly different time in which we are living.
AND, it is almost, like you are afraid to ASK, “WHAT’s NEXT?” BECAUSE isn’t this enough? Stop – already! Desist!
Uncle!!! Help us, O God! No more! Really! Enough, already! People are SO OVER IT!
So, Fear continues…
People continue to be worried, concerned, upset, distressed, and anxious about ALL that is going on…and you really CANNOT BLAME THEM.
Just like, we should NOT be blaming the disciples for everything that they were experiencing.
NEEDED, THEN, and NEEDED NOW is some much-needed DISTRACTIONS…
I will take the Gospels any time…I will delve into John 14 gladly…and happily.
And the bonus of bonuses, it is MOTHER’S DAY weekend! Boy, do we NEED that right about NOW!
Someone else to think about. Someone else to give thanks for… Someone to honor…Blessed MOM, living or deceased…someone else to dwell on…Thank you MOM for everything…And, I do mean, for EVERYTHING!!!!!
So, Jesus tells his group of “worry-warts” and “nervous nellies…” to calm down. Take a deep breath. Center yourselves. Come on, you can do it. Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out. You have got this! I am with you. God is present.
Be faithful.
Jesus goes on…Believe in me…believe also in G*D. Have FAITH. TRUST. BELIEVE IN.
Everything will be FINE. It will work out THE WAY it is meant to work out. In the meantime, are YOU learning the lesson? Do YOU know what IS and what IS NOT important? Have YOU been paying attention?
Jesus goes on. You see G*D has got this “amazing place.” It is WHERE HE IS. It is HUGE, EXPANSIVE, ROOMY.
And I will go there ahead of you and prepare a place for YOU.
You guys know the way to get there, right? Jesus asks the disciples.
“Nope,” Thomas answers for the group. Completely clueless, confused, and devastated at Jesus’ words.
Can’t you almost hear Jesus sigh loudly?
“I am the way,” he tells them. I will lead you. I will show you. I will guide you. “Do not worry, so much!” “Promise, I will be here for YOU.” “I AM here for YOU!” “I AM here with YOU.”
He also said, I AM “the truth” and “the life” you can trust my word…YOU KNOW YOU CAN…but he doubted that anyone heard what he had to say…
Why doesn’t Jesus just show them G*D? Phillip asks. That would be like so much easier.
That is when Jesus said, “Haven’t I been with you this whole time? Haven’t I been talking about this stuff for like fourteen chapters already? If you have seen me, you have seen my Father. I thought I made that perfectly clear.”
Have Faith.
Believe.
Trust.
Breathe IN. Breathe OUT.
We WILL GET THROUGH THIS. ALL OF THIS.
FOCUS on things other than yourself. Learn the lesson. KNOW WHAT IS, and WHAT IS NOT IMPORTANT.
To all the MOTHERS OUT THERE! Thank You! We love you!
Amen.