In My Father's House

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." John 14:1-14

Although my mother still lives in the house they bought so many years ago, it is still my father's house. All the constant repairs and painting, the fixing and the fussing, all make it my father's house. He took an quirky old house and make it quirkier. It suited him and the basement, garage and many other rooms still remind me of him. He is everywhere in the house, despite the fact that it has been nearly 20 years since he passed away. There are silly reminders of him everywhere. This house, so close to the Atlantic Ocean, tells the story of a Navy man who found his home, his mansion.

The disciples are anxious as they often are. They are afraid that Jesus is going to leave them, and they are worried about their future and their directions. They are afraid of being abandoned. That is something many of us fear. But Jesus comforts them by telling them there is already a place prepared for them. He shocks them by telling them that God is already with them, and the divine is working at all times for their good. We can take great comfort in these words as well. We are promised a place for in the Creator's house there is always enough room.

Today I ask God to help me rest in the promise of a room prepared. May we be people who live trusting that God is present with us, even when we cannot see what is ahead. May we know that we are planned and prepared for, and there is comfort and rest always in the Creator's realm, in the house of God.


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.