Saint Rita Catholic Church and School in Webster, NY - An Introduction to the Sunday Scriptures

“I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life”

Over the next three Sundays before Pentecost, we will be hearing from Jesus' farewell discourses at the conclusion of His last supper in John's Gospel (Chapters 14-17). It is a final teaching to His apostles and a heartfelt intercessory prayer to His Father on behalf of His disciples and His church.

In our First Reading (Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7), we hear about some of the growth pangs of the early Church, as seven "helpers" were chosen to minister to the needs of the Hellenist widows (Greek speaking Jews). "It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task…” Thus, the Diaconate was born and the first servants of the Church were ordained. Known as Permanent Deacons, they have been fulfilling the mission of ministering to the needs of the Church and its people ever since.

In our Epistle reading (1 Peter 2:4-9), St. Peter calls his readers to remain steadfast in following Jesus, the rock of their faith. He is the “Living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God.” This was a time when early Christians were enduring many sufferings for their faith, not unlike our own times. We learn that we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood” called to offer “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

In our Gospel reading (John 14:1-12), Jesus began His final message to His apostles to prepare them for His departure and return to the Father. Jesus teaches them that He and the Father are one. “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?” Jesus is “the way” to the Father. They are slow to learn, but Jesus is patient. The Holy Spirit will make all things clear.

Our readings today bolster the cornerstone of our faith - that our way to the Father, the truth the Father reveals to us, and the life we hope for in the resurrection are all found in Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. This becomes clear to us through the work and grace of the Holy Spirit.

bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050326.cfm