Good day dear friends.
The last few weeks it seemed death was the main headline. The death of Terri Shiavo and Pope John Paul II dominated the news. Terri's death seemed to divide the country in politicized camps that either wanted her to continue to live and those who wanted her to live. And the Pope's death brought sadness to the world for all he had represented and tried to do during his lifetime. The news shared with us the reality that there were many who had known no other pope other than John Paul II.
Here is a text that speaks to us Jesus' words about death: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 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? 3 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."
This passage comes to the disciples just after Jesus reveals the plan of God where Jesus was to suffer and die. The reaction of the disciples was just the way we react to news of a loved one's illness or pending death. But the Lord speaks as always, a message of peace and hope. He speaks directly to the place where we hurt the most the heart. Jesus knew the pain of death especially so recent in his life that of his beloved friend Lazarus. Jesus tried to calm his disciples and prepare them even for their death. The promise from the Lord is that life doesn't end with death. There is a place being built even now that is for us. And the even better part of the promise is that Jesus will come to take us to be with him.
Isn't it wonderful to know the promise of relationship as first shared in Genesis is now continued through God's son? God's desire for His creation was for relationship with us and now His Son Jesus is promising the same thing.
PRAYER: God of life continue to comfort all those who still mourn the death of loved ones in their lives. Bring life to us and that in abundance so that we may live in a way that shares that life with those in need. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
