In the gospel reading this week, Jesus is talking with his disciples at dinner shortly before his arrest. These verses are just a part of a long discourse on many things – in this section Jesus reassures them that he is not leaving them behind, but rather going ahead to “prepare a place for you” and will bring them there. Jesus’ followers may not know where he is going and they don’t yet see how they can get there, so Jesus reassures them of their connection to him. Jesus also talks about the connection between himself and the Father, the Creator, the Source of Life. “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” In Jesus’ life, ministry and preaching, God has been revealed.
The connections matter. We, like the disciples, follow Jesus who helps us to see and understand the mind and work of God, who is the source of life. We see God in the love and forgiveness Jesus teaches and lives. We see God in the healing and justice Jesus brings. We see God in the compassion and connection Jesus extends to the whole human family, and to all creation.
This is a God of relationship. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Creator and source of life. Son of God. We are called into relationship, too. God claims us and frees us so that we may live in connection with God and all God’s children, so we can live doing the kind of things we see Jesus do. Extending compassion and forgiveness to our neighbors and siblings. Working for mercy and justice for those who are oppressed. Reaching out in love to the people around us, even when they least deserve it. Seeing the whole human family as our own family.
Peace,