This reading is one of those wonderfully intimate times Jesus spends with his disciples. How I would have loved to have been there. Even now as I read these words, I am awed by the framework of love that embraces the disciples, Jesus and the Father, a love that invites us to love as we are loved.
Because Jesus spoke so plainly, the disciples believed that Jesus was from God. They no longer needed to question his identity. Today, however, our Lord’s identity is questioned by many, both within and outside the church. To some, Jesus is an idol and his Father is forgotten. To others, he is just a man. To believe that Jesus is one with God, that in Jesus God lives among us, is the essence of believing. It is a mystery beyond our comprehension. As we follow the way of Christ and hear his words, we also come to believe,
Jesus went on to tell his disciples that they would be scattered and persecuted for living his way. In our walk with Jesus, we encounter the godless ways of the world that seek our demise.
Why did Jesus teach his disciples and us? So that we would have peace, for he has conquered the world.
Son of God, one with God the Father, thank you. Amen. —