Do not let your hearts be troubled

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De noche iremos

The Community of Taizé

Today is Sunday the 3rd of May, beginning the fifth week of Easter.

The community of Taizé sing De noche iremos: ‘By night we search for the source of living water. It is only our thirst that guides our way.’ This time of prayer is an opportunity to quench that thirst a little - my thirst for God, the source of life - a chance to drink from the spring, from the source of living water, and be refreshed.

2:34

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

John 14:1-12

‘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.

5:00

In today’s Sabbath reading, we return to the scene of the Last Supper. Begin by placing yourself inside this gathering. The room is quiet but heavy with emotion.

Notice the moods of the different people as they ask their questions and respond to Jesus’ words. You sit among the disciples. The lamps flicker in the evening light. There is an ebb and flow of intimacy and uncertainty, but Jesus speaks with assurance.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”

Notice the faces around you — the responses of Jesus’ friends

And you are there too. What are your feelings at this time?

“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.”

Does this speak to any uncertainty or need for reassurance within you?

Jesus tells Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

Where in your life might you feel lost or unsure of the path?

How does it feel to hear Jesus say, “I am the way”?

As you listen to the passage again, reflect on your willingness to be guided by the Lord.

8:29

John 14:1-12

‘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.

10:41

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”

Jesus places great trust in us.

In this moment of prayer, speak with the Lord about what you have experienced and felt. Notice if there is anything more he may wish to share with you.

12:44

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen