Today is the Fifth Sunday of Easter. The reading from John’s Gospel is part of the Farewell Discourse at Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. Judas has just left the meal. As part of this discourse, Jesus refers to himself as ‘the way’. The image of the journey is of great importance in John’s Gospel, right from chapter one when the first disciple followed Jesus to see where Jesus was staying. Now in the present passage John shows how the journey itself is of greater significance than the destination. Jesus takes to himself the description ‘I am the way.’ Subsequent generations of Christians have known themselves as people of the way.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of maps. In today’s picture from their book, Signs and Symbols, Aled and Sian are studying very carefully the map that has helped them to find their way to the ancient castle.
Risen Lord,
you are the way, the truth and the life.
Keep us firm in your way,
that we may hold to your truth
and share in your risen life;
now and always.
Amen.
Next Sunday is the Sixth Sunday of Easter when the reading from John’s Gospel is again part of the Farewell Discourse. Here Jesus promises his disciples that the Father will give another Paraclete (Advocate) to be with them for ever. The image to help prepare for next Sunday’s theme is the guide. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.
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